Patent ID: 6069909
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A laser comprising:laser beam generating circuitry operable to generate a laser beam;a vessel enclosing the laser beam generating circuitry, the vessel containing a volume of gas conducive to the formation of the laser beam by the laser beam generating circuitry, the vessel having a wall with a beam aperture formed therein to permit the laser beam generated by the laser beam generating circuitry to pass therethrough;a window mount assembly attached to the wall of the vessel, the window mount assembly enclosing a beam cavity, the window mount assembly having a window operable to transmit the laser beam, the window being positioned at a first, closed end of the beam cavity, the beam cavity having a second, open end adjoining the beam aperture formed in the vessel wall, the beam cavity having a lateral surface extending between the first and second ends;a plenum external to the beam cavity;a gas handling system operable to extract the gas from the vessel, the gas handling system being operable to provide the gas to the plenum;a slot formed in the window mount assembly, the slot extending between the plenum and the lateral surface of the beam cavity, the slot forming a gas inlet aperture in the lateral surface of the beam cavity, the gas inlet aperture being formed proximate to the first end of the beam cavity, the slot being operable to provide a flow of gas from the plenum to the beam cavity.