9. A laser peening apparatus for laser peening a hidden surface of a workpiece, the hidden surface not being line-of-sight
accessible to laser energy propagating without redirection along an initial propagation path for emissions thereof for treatment
of the workpiece, said apparatus comprising:
a pulsed laser system configured for generating the laser energy used for laser peening; and
a laser directing unit operatively receiving and channeling the laser energy generated by said pulsed laser system, said laser
directing unit including a laser transmission end defining an output for laser emissions from said laser peening apparatus,
said laser directing unit being capable of variably and selectively positioning said laser transmission end, said laser directing
unit being adapted to provide operable maneuvering of at least said laser transmission end so that said operably maneuvered
laser transmission end has line of sight laser communication accessibility with the hidden surface, said laser directing unit
thereby configured for variably and selectively directing laser energy upon the hidden surface via said operably maneuvered
laser transmission end.
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