Optical mounting scheme for waveguide lasers and waveguide laser incorporating the same

An optic mounting system for use with a laser comprising a laser vessel, comprising:

• a carrier including an optic holder, the carrier being connectable to an output coupler or rear mirror end of the laser;
• an optic mounted to the carrier via an epoxy;
• and
• an optic interface formed at least in part by the epoxy, the optic interface being a thin layer of a substantially uniform thickness located between the carrier and optic face, the optic and the optic interface being insertable into the laser vessel, wherein the optic holder includes chamfered inner and outer edges of a surface where the optic interface is formed, wherein the chamfered inner and outer edges of the optic holder are disposed so as to cause at least some of the epoxy to run down the carrier,
• wherein the carrier and/or the optic holder of the carrier are beveled proximate to where the optic interface is formed.

A method of attaching an optic to a carrier for use with a gas discharge laser comprising a laser vessel, the method comprising:

• providing the carrier, the carrier including an optic holder, the carrier being connectable to an output coupler or rear mirror end of the laser;
• providing the optic;
• beveling edges of the carrier and/or the optic holder to provide chamfered inner and outer edges;
• applying a face-sealing epoxy to the optic face and/or the carrier or optic holder facet wherein the chamfered inner and outer edges of the optic holder are disposed so as to cause at least some of the epoxy to nm down the earner;
• wiping away any epoxy that runs down the carrier;
• and
• forming, via the epoxy, a very thin, substantially uniform optic interface to connect the carrier and the optic, wherein the optic interface is formed on a surface of the optic holder including the chamfered inner and outer edges of the optic holder,
• wherein the optic and the optic interface are insertable into the laser vessel.