Laser mirror alignment mechanism

Abstract

A laser has a central axis, an outer envelope, a cathode end cap attached to the cathode end of the envelope, a cathode post attached at an inner end to the cathode end cap and extending axially therefrom generally coaxially along the central axis, and a laser mirror mounted to an outer end of the cathode post. An alignment mechanism is provided at the cathode end of the laser for aligning the mirror in a desired predetermined relation to the central axis. The alignment mechanism includes a cylindrical collar mounted to the cathode end cap in surrounding and outward radially spaced relation to the mirror-supporting cathode post, and a plurality of adjustment screws mounted to the collar at circumferentially spaced locations about the cathode post. The screws are independently movably adjustable in a radial direction relative to the laser axis toward and away from the cathode post for selectively applying deformation-inducing contact forces to the post directed transversely to the laser axis for causing angular deformation of the post relative to the laser axis to align the mirror mounted thereon in the desired predetermined relation to the axis.