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NASA’s laser mount technology introduces a unique flexible crystal mount to accommodate the dynamics of thermal expansion to eliminate unsymmetrical thermally induced mechanical stresses on the crystal. In addition, while the mount accommodates thermal expansion, it also offers fixed placement of the crystal to maintain alignment and provides continuous and uniform surface contact between the mount and crystal for rapid dissipation of heat. The mount is compatible with any heat sink reservoir. The mount design allows unrestrained thermal expansion of the crystal in two dimensions (i.e. a- and c- axes) because of the design shown in the figure below. The L-shape blocks also deliver cooling to the crystal by providing a path to the heat sink reservoir. The L-shape blocks are manufactured with a high thermal conductivity material such as copper. A softer material with high thermal conductivity such as indium is used to buffer the interface between the crystal and the L-shape blocks surfaces. A coolant medium acts to transfer the heat from the crystal to the cooled mount. Cooling can be provided in different ways – for example by water or by heat pipes with radiator (for use in space). The springs used to hold the laser crystal also provide the adjustment method to align the beam, and once aligned, the crystal mount is very stable. The related patent is now available to license. Please note that NASA does not manufacture products itself for commercial sale.