초록 ▼

A device for modifying the surface of an optical element including a laser beam and a laser energy attenuator. The attenuator varies the energy distribution of the laser beam radially of the beam, thereby etching the surface of the optical element in conformance with the varied energy distribution.

A device for modifying the surface of an optical element including a laser beam and a laser energy attenuator. The attenuator varies the energy distribution of the laser beam radially of the beam, thereby etching the surface of the optical element in conformance with the varied energy distribution. In one embodiment, the attenuator includes a positive lens-shaped portion with a laser energy absorbing material therein, which results in etching a positive lens shape on the optical element. In a second embodiment, the attenuator includes a negative lens-shaped portion with a laser energy absorbing material therein, which results in etching a negative lens shape on the optical element. End caps for each of the positive and negative shaped portions have planar outer surfaces and the same refractive indexes as those portions, thereby preventing refraction of the laser beam upon its passing through the attenuator. The attenuator can be cooled as it absorbs the energy from the laser.

대표청구항 ▼

A device for modifying the surface of an optical element to vary its refractive power, the combination comprising: means for generating a laser beam, said laser beam having a central axis and an outer periphery; laser energy attenuator means, aligned to intercept said laser beam, for varying the ene

A device for modifying the surface of an optical element to vary its refractive power, the combination comprising: means for generating a laser beam, said laser beam having a central axis and an outer periphery; laser energy attenuator means, aligned to intercept said laser beam, for varying the energy distribution of said laser beam between said central axis and said outer periphery of said laser beam without refracting said laser beam within said laser energy attenuator means; and means for supporting the optical element in a position to intercept said laser beam after said laser beam has been intercepted by said laser energy attenuator means,