Abstract: This invention relates to a new diode pumped solid state laser which has a miniature Q-switching device in the cavity. Nd:YAG, Nd:YLF or Nd:YVO4 are useful solid state laser materials for Q-switching. A compact thermo-electric (TE)cooled diode laser unit is used as a pump source, and high-speed switching of the drive current driver is provided for the precise pump energy control. By using the variable high-speed switching pump source, the energy of each Q-switched output pulse from the laser can be controlled precisely and the usual “giant pulse” from the Q-switch can be eliminated. Also, the pulse energy can be controlled precisely independent of the repetition rate or switching speed of the Q-switch without using other feedback components. The Q-switch is synchronized to open at the end of each diode pump pulse.

Abstract: A diode laser pumps a laser crystal in a known manner. A series of bypass mirrors selectively bypass the diode output beam around the laser crystal and directly out the same exit port as the pumped laser output beam. A hand held enclosure houses this dual laser head and supporting optics in a portable laser housing. Support electronics are optionally enclosed along with the applicator assembly and a battery. A transceiver to a host computer is included along with an optional exhaust and filter system.