Importance

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Abstract

A compact laser includes an inner quartz tube defining a central bore coaxially disposed within an outer quartz tube sealed with respective end cap assemblies. Each end cap assembly is bonded to a respective end of the outer quartz tube and includes an electrode which at least partially surrounds or is proximate to a corresponding end of the inner quartz tube. Each end cap assembly also supports a mirror element and includes means for adjusting the angular orientation of the mirror elements to bring them into mutually parallel optical relationship. An opening is provided at at least one end of the inner tube proximate to the corresponding electrode which serves to provide a path of lower resistance to direct the region of gas discharge away from the mirror element so that the resulting sputtering is substantially restricted to a region that does not contain the mirror element. The end cap assemblies are fabricated of one or more materials which are thermally compatible and bondable with quartz. The invention provides means for safeguarding the mirror elements against sputtering of material from the electrodes; means for providing a very compact and stable laser which does not employ an external resonator; and compact means for adjusting the laser mirrors.

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First Claim