Patent ID: 6208675
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A laser apparatus, comprising:a) a laser chamber having interconnected walls defining a laser cavity inside said laser chamber, said laser cavity housing gases;b) a drive side shaft supported by said laser chamber;c) a first bearing assembly circumscribing said drive side shaft and exposed to said gases within said laser cavity, said first bearing assembly comprising a ceramic compound such that said gases do not substantially react with said ceramic compound;d) a driving assembly operatively engaged to said drive side shaft for rotating said drive side shaft; ande) a fan assembly disposed in said laser cavity and engaged to said drive side shaft for circulating said gases;wherein said drive side shaft is generally defined by an integral structure having an inner disc portion, an outer disc portion extending from said inner disc portion, a rod extending from said outer disc portion, and a shoulder formed on said outer disc portion such that said first bearing assembly is supporting said rod and communicating with said shoulder.