Abstract: A system for combining a plurality of laser beams into a combined output beam from at least two laser sources includes the removal of conventional perpendicularly oriented output windows from each of the laser sources. Reflecting mirrors are positioned perpendicular to the optical axis at the rear of the two laser sources. A fully reflecting mirror is positioned perpendicular to the optical axis of the first laser source to reflect coherent light received from the first laser source. A beam splitter is positioned between the first laser source and the fully reflecting mirror at the intersection of the optical axes of the first and second laser source. The beam splitter directs a portion of received coherent light into a combined output beam, with the remainder being directed back to the first and second laser sources.

Abstract: An improved optically pumped NdYAG laser amplifier is provided having high average power and high pulse repetition rates with improved energy conversion efficiency. The amplifier employs a coating on the pump cavity surface which is highly reflective of light as the pumping wavelength and samarium coated flow tubes surrounding the flash lamps to enhance transmission of pumping wavelengths. A system of two amplifiers is described for metal cutting application including cutting of aerospace metals without discoloration of the metal at the edge of the cut.

Abstract: An improved optically pumped NdYAG laser amplifier is provided having high average power and high pulse repetition rates with improved energy conversion efficiency. The amplifier employs a coating on the pump cavity surface which is highly reflective of light at the pumping wavelength and samarium coated flow tubes surrounding the flash lamps to enhance transmission of pumping wavelengths. A system of two amplifiers is described for metal cutting applications including cutting of aerospace metals without discoloration of the metal at the edge of the cut.