Apparatus for effecting harmonic conversion of a laser beam of
predetermined frequency, to provide plural harmonic components of the
laser beam at frequencies different from the predetermined frequency,
includes a housing (40) defining a hermetically sealed chamber able to be
maintained at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. Also provided are
port means for evacuating the chamber, and means (36, 37) defining an
optical path for the laser beam and the components thereof through the
housing and the chamber. A plurality of individual holders (70, 72, 74)
are arranged for retaining respective frequency conversion crystals at
spaced locations in the optical path. The crystals (20, 22, 24) can be
aligned individually and heated within the chamber.