Abstract: A laser system may include one or more of the following components: a power supply, a continuous wave pump laser, a fiber optic cable, a positive lens, a gain medium, a heat sink, and/or a Q-switch. The laser system may be used in a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system such as a scanning LIDAR system. The laser system may be designed to operate at wavelengths that may be safe for human eyes.

Abstract: An optical resonator may be provided. The optical resonator may comprise a laser system with an adjustable optical path length. The optical resonator may include a back mirror. The back mirror may include a first back mirror surface and a second back mirror surface. The first back mirror surface and may provide a first optical path length for the optical resonator if the first back mirror surface may be included in the optical path. The second back mirror may provide a second optical path length for the optical resonator if the second back mirror surface is included in the optical path.

Abstract: A laser system may include one or more of the following components: a power supply, a continuous wave pump laser, a fiber optic cable, a positive lens, a gain medium, a heat sink, and/or a Q-switch. The laser system may be used in a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system such as a scanning LIDAR system. The laser system may be designed to operate at wavelengths that may be safe for human eyes.

Abstract: A relatively simple and inexpensive method to increase the operational lifetime of semiconductor laser diode elements and light emitting diodes (LEDs) is disclosed. The semiconductor laser diode element is placed in contact with a non-electrically conductive, chemically inert liquid. Preferably the liquid is a perfluorinated liquid. This results in a dramatically increased operational lifetime for the semiconductor laser diode element by preventing damaging heat build up to vulnerable areas of the laser diode element, such as the p-n junction. This method can work with the liquid being either static or flowing. The disclosed method can be used when the semiconductor laser diode element is used either as a laser itself or when it is used to optically pump another lasing element. The liquid can also be in contact with the lasing element, collimating lens, sub-mounts, or thermoelectric coolers in a lasing assembly.