Importance

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Abstract

A reflective collimator for a laser, such as for use in a cutting or welding machine tool. The collimator requires no more than three mirrors, and can be configured with only two. The relative positions of a convex/concave mirror pair are adjusted to adjust the divergence of the output collimated beam. Adjustment is accomplished by translating two of the mirrors in linear paths along respective beam paths established in the collimator. A linkage interconnects the two translatable mirrors and includes a coupling which incorporates the triangular geometry of the beam path established by the mirrors, so that the translatable mirrors are linked to maintain alignment throughout the range of collimator adjustment. When one of the translatable mirrors is adjusted the linkage causes the second to track the first while maintaining precise alignment in the collimator.

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First Claim