Abstract: A field mapping optical system and method for converting a light beam having a known spatially coherent first optical field to a second optical field with a required intensity distribution and flat wavefront at a desired distance from the system, by creating an intermediate optical field, between the first and second optical fields, the intermediate optical field being derived from the inverse Fourier transform of the second optical field. The optical system provides a compact and simplified field mapper.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the amplification of a laser beam by pumping a homogenous composite source beam through an amplification medium. A slab crystalline active medium is side-pumped via a pump module having a laser diode bar and an optical assembly. The optical assembly has a fast axis collimator and a lens in the fast axis and an array of slow axis collimators and the lens in the slow axis. The lenses are spaced so that the individual source beams from the emitters are: imaged upon a first facet of the amplification medium; have a beam waist at or near the first facet; are sized to fill the first facet; substantially overlap on the first facet; and are directed so that peripheral source beams undergo total internal reflection on entering the amplification medium. Embodiments of multiple laser diode bars and optical assemblies are described together with double side pumping arrangements.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the amplification of a laser beam by pumping a homogenous composite source beam through an amplification medium. A slab crystalline active medium is side-pumped via a pump module having a laser diode bar and an optical assembly. The optical assembly has a fast axis collimator and a lens in the fast axis and an array of slow axis collimators and the lens in the slow axis. The lenses are spaced so that the individual source beams from the emitters are: imaged upon a first facet of the amplification medium; have a beam waist at or near the first facet; are sized to fill the first facet; substantially overlap on the first facet; and are directed so that peripheral source beams undergo total internal reflection on entering the amplification medium. Embodiments of multiple laser diode bars and optical assemblies are described together with double side pumping arrangements.

Abstract: A field mapping optical system and method for converting a light beam having a known spatially coherent first optical field to a second optical field with a required intensity distribution and flat wavefront at a desired distance from the system, by creating an intermediate optical field, between the first and second optical fields, the intermediate optical field being derived from the inverse Fourier transform of the second optical field. The optical system provides a compact and simplified field mapper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating a laser pulse of a desired energy and micro-machining a substrate using the laser pulse. A beam of light is provided from a laser source. The beam is directed via a modulator to produce an output laser pulse with a portion of the laser pulse being used to determine the energy of the laser pulse. The modulator is controlled so as to switch off the output laser pulse when the determined energy of the output laser pulse reaches a threshold value. The output laser pulse is steered to a substrate for micro-machining.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser array of a plurality of emitters in a diode bar or stack where each beam is deflected by a different angle to be incident upon a uniform volume holographic grating with a portion of the beam being deflected as a feedback portion while a further portion provides a wavelength tuned output unique to each emitter. The arrangement of a uniform volume holographic grating with deflectors such as phaseplates eliminates the need to use expensive wavelength chirped gratings.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser array of a plurality of emitters in a diode bar or stack where each beam is deflected by a different angle to be incident upon a uniform volume holographic grating with a portion of the beam being deflected as a feedback portion while a further portion provides a wavelength tuned output unique to each emitter. The arrangement of a uniform volume holographic grating with deflectors such as phaseplates eliminates the need to use expensive wavelength chirped gratings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating a laser pulse of a desired energy and micro-machining a substrate using the laser pulse. A beam of light is provided from a laser source. The beam is directed via a modulator to produce an output laser pulse with a portion of the laser pulse being used to determine the energy of the laser pulse. The modulator is controlled so as to switch off the output laser pulse when the determined energy of the output laser pulse reaches a threshold value. The output laser pulse is steered to a substrate for micro-machining.

Abstract: A method, material and apparatus for cold processing of ceramics wherein the ceramic contains a binder material which decomposes or otherwise produces large amounts of a gas upon heating so as to remove ablated material from the ceramic. The method, material and apparatus therefore provide self-cleaning ablation which allows for machining of ceramics at scales unachievable in the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new configuration for a laser resonator for use in combination with a solid-state laser gain medium contained within the core of a planar waveguide. The resonator has a substantially confocal negative branch unstable resonator configuration in a lateral direction, a low loss waveguide resonator configuration in a transverse direction, and the focal point of the unstable resonator is disposed outside the planar waveguide to avoid optical damage or breakdown in the gain medium. The preferred embodiment includes an effective means of transverse mode selection for the case when the planar waveguide is of the multi-mode type. The invention also provides a new low loss waveguide resonator configuration which may be used with planar waveguide gas lasers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new configuration for a laser resonator for use in combination with a solid-state laser gain medium contained within the core of a planar waveguide. The resonator has a substantially confocal negative branch unstable resonator configuration in a lateral direction, a low loss waveguide resonator configuration in a transverse direction, and the focal point of the unstable resonator is disposed outside the planar waveguide to avoid optical damage or breakdown in the gain medium. The preferred embodiment includes an effective means of transverse mode selection for the case when the planar waveguide is of the multi-mode type. The invention also provides a new low loss waveguide resonator configuration which may be used with planar waveguide gas lasers.