Laser beam machine using optical component to modify laser beam as desired

Abstract

A laser beam machine capable of creating the optimum machining region of a laser oscillator as desired and with ease. The laser beam emitted from an output mirror diverges at a diverging angle without the propagating characteristic that its diameter diminishes in the course of transmission. An optical component part having a focal length is provided in the optical path of the laser beam at a distance from the output mirror. The optical component part modifies the laser beam in respect of its optical path into an improved one. Thus, the propagating characteristic of the laser beam is varied by the optical component, and accordingly, the position of the optimum machining region is changed. More specifically, the optimum machining region changes with the focal length and the distance from the output mirror of the optical component part, which permits the optimum machining region to be created as desired by properly selecting the focal length and the distance of the optical component part. As a result, it is possible to constantly put the machining point within the optimum machining region.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.