Abstract: A system to extend a lateral bore section using laser light comprises a first umbilical connected to a deflection member having a drive gear, a lateral exit port and at least one deployable seal intermediate a proximal end and the lateral exit port, and a second umbilical having an exterior movable by the drive member through a pathway of the deflection member ending at the lateral exit port to controllably advance a drill head connected to a leading end of the second umbilical. Optical fibers of the second umbilical transmit laser light from a surface end to optical elements in the drill head that condition laser light for heating a targeted portion of a bore wall. The first umbilical positions the deflection member within a primary bore section, and the second umbilical is controllably advanced to extend a lateral bore by the drive gear of the deflection member.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system to remove debris generated by using laser light to extend a bore section comprises a body connected to an umbilical and a plurality of coolant injection ports arranged about an inlet to a debris removal passage through the body. The umbilical is used to position the body adjacent a bore wall in a bore section to be extended, laser light is emitted from the apparatus to melt at least a component of a formation material in which the bore is to be extended and to generate globules of melted formation components. A gas is injected into the bore section to disrupt and to sweep at least some of the molten material from a laser path into the debris removal passage as an injected stream of coolant within the passage intercepts the remnants of globules of molten material as they accelerate in the debris removal passage.