Abstract: A flash lamp pumped CTH:YAG resonating laser and method for operating the laser whereby the laser is capable of lasing at the 2097 nm wavelength. The method for operating at the 2097 nm wavelength include utilizing an output coupler with a lower reflectivity and minimizing the passive losses in the laser. The resulting laser is capable of operating with a lower intra-cavity energy density and increased output energy, decreasing the probability of optical breakdown of the laser components when operated.

Abstract: A flash lamp pumped CTH:YAG resonating laser and means for operating the laser whereby the laser is capable of lasing at the 2097 nm wavelength. The means for operating at the 2097 nm wavelength include utilizing an output coupler with a lower reflectivity and minimizing the passive losses in the laser. The resulting laser is capable of operating with a lower intra-cavity energy density and increased output energy, decreasing the probability of optical breakdown of the laser components when operated.

Abstract: A glass ceramic reflector having a uniform material composition which has an almost 100% reflectivity that is diffusive in the reflectance range of the entire solar spectrum from 450 to 900 nm wavelength. Furthermore, the ceramic material has a high absorption of ultraviolet wave lengths and low reflectivity in the infrared region to minimize thermal loading of the laser rod of high gain laser material. In one preferred embodiment, the glass ceramic reflector is mica based and has a composition of approximately 55% crystal and 45% residual glass, thereby defining a microstructure that enables the ceramic material to be machined to form an interior surface configuration that is easily closely coupled to flashlamp and laser rod components of the laser device.