Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a laser rod includes a mount having a cylindrical through hole in which the laser rod is disposed. A polymer is disposed in the cylindrical through hole in an annular space between an outer diameter of the laser rod and an inner diameter of the cylindrical through hole. The laser rod is suspended in a symmetrical thermal and mechanical interface. There is open access to the ends of the laser rod for end pumping and laser cavity alignment.

Abstract: A diode pumped, solid state laser is provided that can produce over 16 billion, 15 mJ, 10 ns Q-Switched laser pulses with a low measured decay rate. The laser can be integrated into a global biomass measuring instrument, and mounted on the International Space Station (ISS).

Abstract: A ground-based laser ranging system and method are provided that enable meter-level or better ranging precision on optically passive 10-30 cm average-sized orbital debris targets. The system and method can improve current predictions by up to 85%. The improved location accuracy also provides the immediate benefit of reducing costly false alarms in collision predictions for existing assets and unidentified debris. The system can include one or more high power lasers that generate 1.5 ?m wavelength laser pulses at >100 mJ pulse energies and at a repetition rate of from 10 Hz to 100 Hz.

Abstract: A laser system is provided that includes a master oscillator, a pre-amplifier, a power amplifier, a beam doubler, and a beam tripler. The laser system is configured to generate three different wavelengths, including, for example, wavelengths of 1064 nm, 532 nm, and 355 nm. The pre-amplifier can be optically aligned along a beam path exiting the master oscillator, to receive and pre-amplify a laser beam generated by the master oscillator. The amplifier can be optically aligned along a beam path exiting the pre-amplifier, and can be configured to receive a pre-amplified laser beam generated by the pre-amplifier. The beam doubler and beam tripler can be optically aligned along a beam path exiting the amplifier and can be configured to double and triple, respectively, an amplified laser beam generated by the amplifier.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method employing a laser with a split-head, V-assembly gain material configuration. Additionally, the present invention is directed to techniques to better dissipate or remove unwanted energies in laser operations. The present invention is also directed to techniques for better collimated laser beams, with single spatial mode quality (TEM00), with improved efficiency, in extreme environments, such as in outer space.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method employing a laser with a split-head, V-assembly gain material configuration. Additionally, the present invention is directed to techniques to better dissipate or remove unwanted energies in laser operations. The present invention is also directed to techniques for better collimated laser beams, with single spatial mode quality (TEM00), with improved efficiency, in extreme environments, such as in outer space.

Abstract: A laser gain module comprises a spoiled hexagonal shaped slab for receiving a laser beam. The laser beam enters the slab on one face and is reflected internally at one or more faces. The laser beam propagates through the slab and may be amplified with each reflection. The laser gain module also comprises two opposing non-parallel sides that are elongated in comparison to the remaining four sides thus creating the spoiled hexagon geometry. The module may also include two or four laser diode arrays positioned so as to constitute a side pumping arrangement to provide additional energy to the laser gain module. The additional energy provided to the laser gain module may result in greater amplification of the laser beam as it propagates through the laser gain module.