Abstract: In a laser amplifier a high efficiency pumping scheme mode matches the TEMOO laser mode volume with a plurality of linearly spaced laser diode pumping sources positioned along a lateral side of a block of laser material. The optical path within the block is configured in a tightly folded zig-zag configuration. Pump radiation from the diode pumping sources is collimated by an optical fiber end the fold angle is selected to mode match the pump radiation to the mode volume.A laser oscillator is followed by one or more cascaded amplifier stages including a block of laser material arranged in a tightly folded zig-zag configuration. Pump radiation from the diode pumping sources is collimated by an optical fiber and the fold angle is selected to mode match the pump radiation to the mode volume.

Abstract: A program installed in the microcontroller of an ink jet printer functions as a timer, to keep track of how much time has elapsed since the ink jet cartridge last printed. After a certain amount of time (such as one hour) has elapsed with no printing, the program directs all the nozzles of the cartridge to each print about twenty ink dots. This periodic priming of the nozzles during idle periods prevents viscous ink plugs from building up in and clogging the nozzles.