Abstract: A system for generating a pulsed laser beam includes a laser source and a mode locker which are mounted in a housing that defines a beam path for light from the laser source. An electro-optical crystal is positioned on the beam path to selectively polarize light traveling along the beam path. In operation, the crystal is repetitively advanced through a three period working cycle. At the beginning of the no-lase period which initiates each working cycle, the electro-optical crystal is partially activated. After a predetermined period, pumping of the laser source begins. Next, in the pulse shaping or pre-lasing period, the mode locker becomes active to produce a single compressed pulse in the laser cavity. After pulse-shaping the system for approximately two-hundred and fifty to three-hundred microseconds, the electro-optical crystal is fully activated to start the amplification period to create an amplified laser pulse. The amplification period lasts for approximately two-tenths of one microsecond (0.2 .mu.

Abstract: A two-step solid state optical switch system includes an electro-optical material positioned between a first electrode and a grounded second electrode. A voltage source is electrically connectable to the first electrode by an ON switch. When the ON switch is closed, a plurality of field effect transistors establish electrical contact between the voltage source and the first electrode to charge the first electrode and change the optical characteristics of the electro-optical material. An OFF switch, which is also electrically connectable to the first electrode, includes a plurality of field effect transistors, which establish electrical contact between ground and the first electrode when the OFF switch is closed. With the closing of the OFF switch, any voltage on the first electrode is removed to restore the optical characteristics of the electro-optical material.

Abstract: A high power end-pumped laser system for use with a regenerative amplifier includes an assembly for generating a plurality of collimated laser beams and a focusing element for focusing the plurality of laser beams onto a common focal volume. To generate the plurality of collimated laser beams, the assembly employs an array of diode lasers and an array of collimating microlenses. The microlens array is positioned relative to the laser diode array to place each collimating microlens in the beam path of a respective diode laser. The resultant plurality of collimated laser beams are emitted from the assembly substantially parallel to each other and they are all then passed through a cylindrical collimating lens with the result that the beams are collimated in two planes. The output of the cylindrical collimating lens is then focused by a lens to a focal volume. For operation of the system, the focal volume is located in a laser medium to allow the medium to be end-pumped.