Laser nozzle construction

Abstract

A laser nozzle, optical cavity walls, and combustion manifold system is formed having a plurality of laser nozzle members formed having two elongated projections on each side thereof, a forward projection and a rearward projection, and when said members are placed together, the rearward projections meet to form a solid wall while said forward projections are spaced to form an elongated nozzle. Side plates enclose the ends of the nozzle members and end plates cover the ends of the side plates and exposed surface of the end nozzle members. A cavity is formed between each pair of meeting rearward projections and spaced forward projections of adjacent nozzle members. A hot gas flow distributor liner is placed in each cavity through an opening in one side wall. The liner has a plate at one end which mates with a recess in the outer surface of the side wall. An opening in said plate is connected to the inside of said liner. A combustion manifold having an outer flange has the outer flange placed over the plates of the liners to hold them in place and is fixed to the adjacent edge of the side plate. The liner tapers inwardly as it extends into said cavity while the surface adjacent the elongated nozzle opening extends substantially parallel thereto. A modification shows a combustion manifold on both sides with shorter liners extending in a cavity from both sides to a point adjacent each other at the center of the cavity.