RF EXCITED CO2 SLAB LASER TUBE HOUSING AND ELECTRODES COOLING

摘要

The laser tube housing of a C02 slab laser is provided with a cooling system in which coolant fluid tubes are inserted into hollowed out portions formed in the longitudinal sidewalls of the laser tube housing. Mounting the coolant fluid tubes in this way provides enhanced cooling and increased stiffness of the laser tube housing. Also, a cooling system is provided for the laser electrode assembly that relies on a manifold system that is mounted on a longitudinal sidewall of the laser tube housing to route coolant fluid through the sidewall to the electrode assembly; sidewall flow of the coolant fluid enables the end flanges of the laser tube housing to be remove without disturbing either the electrodes or the optical resonator of the laser. Also, a bracket assembly is provided for attaching the laser electrode assembly to a longitudinal sidewall of the laser tube housing. The bracket assembly includes two brackets attached to an end of the electrode assembly and also attached to a longitudinal sidewall of the laser tube housing near the longitudinal ends of said housing.