Patent ID: 6466601
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A modular gas discharge laser system comprising:A) a laser cabinet for housing laser modules, B) electrodes and a blower for circulating a laser gas, C) a front optics module containing an output coupler, D) a rear optics module containing one or more optical components which along with said output coupler defines a resonant cavity for said laser system, said resonant cavity defining a beam train between said front optics and said rear optics and passing through said laser chamber, E) a beam train isolation means for: 1) isolating said beam train from atmospheric air at interfaces between said laser chamber module and said front optics module and between said laser chamber and said rear optics module, 2) permitting easy removal of said laser chamber without disturbing alignment of optical components in said front optics module and said rear optics module and 3) minimizing transfer of vibration generated in said chamber module into said front and rear optics; wherein said beam isolation means comprises at least two bellows units, each bellows unit comprising a hand releasable clamp, releasable without any tool, for disconnecting each of said bellows units from one of said laser modules.