Abstract: A conductively cooled flashlamp (30) for use solid state lasers. The flashlamp (30) has an elongated heat sink (31) with a reflective center channel (32), and a flashlamp tube (12) disposed in the channel (32) that extends beyond the ends of the channel (32). Heat conducting gaskets (37a, 37b) are disposed around respective ends of the envelope (34) that separate the tube (12) from the heat sink (31) to provide an air gap (35) therebetween. Clamps (36a, 36b) contact the gaskets (37a, 37b) and secure the envelope (34) to the heat sink (31). Electrodes (25a, 25b) of the tube (12) extend away from the ends of the tube (12) and heavy wires (38a, 38b) are connected to the electrodes (25a, 25b) and extend longitudinally away from the respective electrodes (25a, 25b). Heat conducting, electrically insulating heat sink members (41a, 41b) are disposed at opposite distal ends of the heat sink (31), and wire clamps (42a, 42b) secure the wires 38a, 38b to the heat sink members (41a, 41b).

Abstract: A technique for passively removing heat from an optical element in a laser system through its optically transmissive faces. Heat is removed by way of optically transmissive heat sinks or other heat conducting media disposed adjacent the optically transmissive surfaces of the optical element. Heat is transferred out of the optical element in a direction parallel to the direction of propagation of energy, thus minimizing problems associated with thermal gradients. Devices employing optical elements such as nonlinear frequency conversion crystals and laser crystals may utilize the heat management approach of the present invention to achieve better performance. Heat is transferred to the heat conducting media by direct contact, or through narrow gas-filled gaps disposed between the optical element and the heat conducting media.

Abstract: A system and method for producing relatively square laser pulses derived from relatively Gaussian laser pulses. The system comprises a phase conjugate laser system that comprises a laser oscillator, an amplifying medium and a phase conjugate mirror having a nonlinear confined at a predetermined pressure. The mirror is adapted to truncate the front portion of an applied laser pulse. A plasma switch is disposed between the laser oscillator and the amplifying medium that has a gas confined therein at a predetermined pressure. The plasma switch and phase conjugate mirror cooperate to truncate the laser pulse to produce a laser pulse having a relatively square shape. Controlling the pressures in the plasma switch and phase conjugate mirror provides a means of controlling the formation of square-shaped laser pulses. In addition, a delay line may be employed in the system that is controllable in length that assists in controlling the truncation of the pulse in the plasma switch.