Abstract: A programmable tailored laser pulse generator including a pulsed seed laser source, a laser amplifier, and an optical power amplifier produces high power tailored laser pulses shaped in response to a programmable analog tailored pulse signal applied to a seed laser (first embodiment) or an external modulator of continuous-wave seed laser output (second embodiment). The programmable analog tailored pulse signal is generated by combining multiple individually programmable analog pulses generated by a multi-channel signal generator. A bias applied to the pulsed seed laser source generates pre-lasing prior to producing a tailored laser pulse so that the seed laser source spectral line and line width stabilize within a narrow gain line width of a solid-state laser amplifier, thereby to impart pulse peak stability of the laser output.