Abstract: A drilling apparatus for well-boring having a drill bit assembly which includes a laser cutting assembly and a vacuum assembly. The vacuum assembly is adapted to intake vapors generated by the laser cutting assembly proximate the drill bit assembly during operation of the drilling apparatus. The collected vapors may then be processed by a chromatographic analyzer to determine the characteristics of the rock formation being drilled.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for well-boring having a drill bit assembly which includes a laser cutting assembly and a vacuum assembly. The vacuum assembly is adapted to intake vapors generated by the laser cutting assembly proximate the drill bit assembly during operation of the drilling apparatus. The collected vapors may then be processed by a chromatographic analyzer to determine the characteristics of the rock formation being drilled.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforation of wellbore walls, which apparatus includes a fiber optic cable having a laser input end and a laser output end. A laser source is operably connected to the laser input end and a laser head is connected to the laser output end. The laser head includes a laser control components for controlling at least one laser beam characteristic. Laser head control elements for controlling the motion and location of the laser head are operably connected to the fiber optic cable. The laser head is enclosed in a protective housing, which protects the fiber optic cable and elements, such as reflectors and lenses for controlling the laser beam emitted by the fiber optic cable disposed therein, from the harsh environments encountered in downhole operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing fluid flow into a wellbore in which an apparatus having at least one laser energy output is lowered into the wellbore and the at least one laser energy output is directed at a wall of the wellbore. At least a portion of the wall is heated using the at least one laser energy output, whereby flow of a fluid into the wellbore is initiated and/or- enhanced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an in situ borehole liner in which a laser beam from a laser energy assembly disposed within a transparent drill head enclosure of a drill head assembly is directed into a rock formation to be drilled and a portion of the rock formation is melted, forming molten rock. The drill head assembly is directed into the molten rock forming a borehole having a borehole wall. At least one air stream from the drill head assembly is directed into the molten rock forming the molten rock against the borehole wall after which the molten rock against the borehole wall is cooled, forming a borehole liner.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforation of wellbore walls, which apparatus includes a fiber optic cable having a laser input end and a laser output end. A laser source is operably connected to the laser input end and a laser head is connected to the laser output end. The laser head includes a laser control components for controlling at least one laser beam characteristic. Laser head control elements for controlling the motion and location of the laser head are operably connected to the fiber optic cable. The laser head is enclosed in a protective housing, which protects the fiber optic cable and elements, such as reflectors and lenses for controlling the laser beam emitted by the fiber optic cable disposed therein, from the harsh environments encountered in downhole operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing fluid flow into a wellbore in which an apparatus having at least one laser energy output is lowered into the wellbore and the at least one laser energy output is directed at a wall of the wellbore. At least a portion of the wall is heated using the at least one laser energy output, whereby flow of a fluid into the wellbore is initiated and/or- enhanced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an in situ borehole liner in which a laser beam from a laser energy assembly disposed within a transparent drill head enclosure of a drill head assembly is directed into a rock formation to be drilled and a portion of the rock formation is melted, forming molten rock. The drill head assembly is directed into the molten rock forming a borehole having a borehole wall. At least one air stream from the drill head assembly is directed into the molten rock forming the molten rock against the borehole wall after which the molten rock against the borehole wall is cooled, forming a borehole liner.