Abstract: A laser system comprises a source, a laser medium, first and second mirrors, a Q-switch, and a control system. The source produces input energy. The laser medium converts the input energy to an output beam. The first and second mirrors are disposed on opposing sides of the laser medium. The output beam reflects between the first and second mirrors. The first mirror is an output mirror for releasing a pulsed laser beam having an energy level. The Q-switch is made of material that has an alterable optical property in response to a Q-switch input signal. The control system selectively varies the Q-switch input signal to control the energy level of the pulsed laser beam. A first Q-switch input signal produces a pulsed laser beam for a plurality of pulses at a maximum power level, while a second Q-switch input signal produces a pulsed laser beam at an intermediate power level.

Abstract: Asymmetry of output beams from a laser diode bar is significantly reduced by internally reflecting the beams from an array of roof prisms positioned and oriented to rotate the cross-sectional shape of each beam by 90°. An elongated retro prism is positioned to received all of the reflected beams and to redirect them away from the laser diode bar.

Abstract: A birefringent beam displacer assembly includes a light source that produces a polarized initial light beam having a first portion and a second portion. A halfwave plate changes a polarity of the first portion of the polarized initial light beam. A birefringent beam displacer receives, at an input side, the first portion from the halfwave plate and the second portion. The birefringent beam displacer has an optic axis for producing a vector walkoff of the second portion. The first portion of the polarized initial light beam passing substantially parallel to the length of the birefringent beam displacer, and the second portion moves at an angle toward the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion substantially overlap at an output side of the birefringent beam displacer to form a combined beam.