Surfaces - cooled optical cell for high power lasers

摘要

An optic cell 20 for use in the cavity of a high-power laser comprises an optic housing 22 which defines a first laser beam aperture 26. An optic element 32 such as a mirror or lens is disposed within the optic housing. A first indium layer 30 is between and in abutting contact with the optic housing and the optic element. An optic cover 40 defines a second laser beam aperture 46 therethrough substantially in alignment with the first laser beam aperture to form a window 47 of the optic element through which a laser beam passes. A second indium layer 48 is between and in abutting contact with the optic element and the optic cover. The optic housing and the optic cover are typically formed of aluminum or copper to passively cool the optic element. The first and second laser beam apertures are configured to minimize the heat transfer distance between the optic element and the optic housing and optic cover, and to allow the laser beam to pass through the optic element without striking metal portions of the optic cell. An optic cell mount 61 removably clamps the optic cell in the laser cavity, and includes cooling elements 56, 76 for cooling the optic cell to control the optic element temperature.