Laser system with interchangeable modules and method for interchanging such modules
US4774714A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1985 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/02
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gas laser is provided in which a replaceable module, comprising a plasma chamber and the associated high voltage components and circuitry, can be quickly and easily replaced by relatively unskilled personnel without any need for optical realignment. Each high voltage electrode of the plasma chamber includes a connector plate that extends through the envelope and engages a support plate of the module containing the high voltage pulse circuitry. These support plates are precisely positioned with respect to two resonator mirrors mounted permanently on a base structure, while the connector plates are precisely positioned with respect to the electrodes and windows of the plasma chamber. The positioning of the connector plates with respect to the electrodes, the windows and the optical axis is identical for each of the replaceable modules. The module is releasably positioned on a base, carrying the laser mirrors, by two or more locator pins that retain it in a precise predetermined spatial and angular position with respect to the two mirrors. The module, containing the high voltage circuitry and the plasma chamber, is readily replaced without need for optical realignment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.