Abstract: A system for perforating the subsurface formation located in the area of an oil or gas bore hole in which a high powered coherent light beam axially is directed along the bore hole to a predetermined depth therein from a surface location, the beam is deflected at said depth along a deflected beam axis. The beam is focused at said depth to concentrate the beam at each of a plurality of spaced focal points along the deflected beam axis. There is provided (1) a significant increase in the distance (length) to which the calculated oil or gas bearing formations can be perforated (from a present nominal 18 inches to 200 feet or more), thus providing the opportunity for increased yield; and (2) an accurate determination of the exact near horizontal plan orientation of such perforations so that each can be aimed in the direction of the most promising formation pay zone.

Abstract: A method of perforating the sub-surface formation located in the area of an oil or gas well bore hole comprising directing a high powered coherent light beam axially along the bore hole to a predetermined depth therein from a surface location, deflecting the beam at said depth along a deflected beam axis, and successively focusing the beam at said depth to concentrate the beam at each of a plurality of spaced focal points along the deflected beam axis. The method (1) provides a significant increase in the distance (length) to which the calculated oil or gas bearing formations can be perforated (from a present nominal 18 inches to 200 feet or more), thus providing the opportunity for increased yield; and (2) provides an accurate determination of the exact near horizontal plane orientation of such perforations so that each can be aimed in the direction of the most promising formation pay zone.