Rf excited waveguide laser

Abstract

A clamping device for an RF excited laser is provided which reduces stress on ceramic components and also is less expensive than existing clamping devices. The RF excited laser lacking an electrode over the waveguide channel intersection regions. Ceramic covers are provided over a portion of these channel intersection regions to reduce plasma build up. Increased power is achieved by adding a fourth channel to a conventional waveguide to form a ring resonator. The optical component mount uses radial compressive forces to hold the optical component to a post, thereby preventing the face of the optical component from being distorted. Mirror mounts are also configured to allow more mirrors to be mounted at each end of the laser. The waveguide channel of the RF excited laser having a U-shaped cross section and an aspect ratio grater than one-to-one, which improves laser performance. A beam redirection device allows the laser head to serve as a mounting surface for other optical components. Anamorphic beam expander prisms are provided to charge the laser beam diameter and recollimate the laser beam. Relief holes or slots are provided in the waveguide to relieve pressure build-up with the channels on the waveguide.