Laser system with laser actuation means

A laser system having a housing containing a laser source capable of emitting a high energy parallel laser light beam along an optical axis, the laser source being controlled in operation by a controller and mounted on a rigid support, first socket means having a socket axis aligned with said optical axis mounted on said support extending between the laser source and an opening in said housing, second socket means replaceably secured in the first socket means, said second socket means being slidingly insertable and removable from within the first socket means through said housing opening and comprising a tubular main body portion containing a convergent lens aligned with the optical axis for focussing the parallel laser light beam whereby to form a laser radiation launch system the end of said main body portion adjacent said opening protruding therefrom and releasably receiving an optical fibre delivery system incorporating a single optical fibre having an end face which is critically positioned with respect to the convergent lens to receive focussed laser radiation, wherein said first socket means comprises switching means connected to said controller and said launch and delivery systems comprise actuating means arranged for selectively actuating said switching means when said launch and delivery systems are co-operatingly engaged with each other within the first socket means, said actuating means carrying coded information concerning the particular optical configuration of the launch system and which effects the selective actuation of the switching means.