Patent ID: 6752501
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: B01D,G02B

Abstract:
An apparatus for focusing an input laser beam, the apparatus comprising:a solid body extending between an inlet end and a discharge end; an inlet opening formed in the inlet end of the solid body, the inlet opening defining an entry area greater than the cross-sectional area of the input laser beam such that the entire input laser beam enters the inlet opening; a discharge opening formed in the discharge end of the solid body, the discharge opening having an exit area less than the cross-sectional area of the input laser beam; a conical inner wall formed in the solid body to define an open interior, the conical inner wall extending from the inlet opening to the discharge opening, wherein the conical inner wall includes a polished surface that reflects the input laser beam toward the discharge opening; and a heating element positioned in contact with the solid body, wherein the heating element is operable to elevate the temperature of the solid body including the conical inner wall to increase the reflectivity of the conical inner wall.