Abstract: The resonator includes a lasing medium having a thickness, a first mirror disposed at a first end of the lasing medium and a second mirror disposed at a second end of the lasing medium. The first and second mirror cooperate to fold an intra-cavity laser beam along a plurality of paths through the lasing medium, thereby defining a boundary of a superfluous region within the resonator, wherein the intra-cavity laser beam does not pass through the superfluous region. The first mirror and the second mirror form a laser resonator for a parasitic laser mode, a portion of which is located within the superfluous region. A parasitic mode suppressor is located within the superfluous region of the resonator.

Abstract: The tube includes a first electrode having a first electrode inner surface and a second electrode having a second electrode inner surface. The first electrode is separated, in a first transverse direction, from the second electrode thereby defining a gap region having a gap thickness between the first electrode inner surface and the second electrode inner surface. The tube further includes a first and a second elongated baffle member, each having a respective elongated central channel formed in an inner surface thereof.

Abstract: The resonator includes a lasing medium having a thickness, a first mirror disposed at a first end of the lasing medium and a second mirror disposed at a second end of the lasing medium. the first and second mirror cooperate to fold an intra-cavity laser beam along a plurality of paths through the lasing medium, thereby defining a boundary of a superfluous region within the resonator, wherein the intra-cavity laser beam does not pass through the superfluous region. The first mirror and the second mirror form a laser resonator for a parasitic laser mode, a portion of which is located within the superfluous region. A parasitic mode suppressor is located within the superfluous region of the resonator.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present an apparatus and a method for protecting lasers or other sources of high optical power from damage due to external sources of contamination using a concept of a sacrificial optical component and automatic laser shutdown based on a pressure indication of a substantial damage to the sacrificial optical component such as puncturing through that component.

Abstract: The tube includes a first electrode having a first electrode inner surface and a second electrode having a second electrode inner surface. The first electrode is separated, in a first transverse direction, from the second electrode thereby defining a gap region having a gap thickness between the first electrode inner surface and the second electrode inner surface. The tube further includes a first and a second elongated baffle member, each having a respective elongated central channel formed in an inner surface thereof.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present an apparatus and a method for protecting lasers or other sources of high optical power from damage due to external sources of contamination using a concept of a sacrificial optical component and automatic laser shutdown based on a pressure indication of a substantial damage to the sacrificial optical component such as puncturing through that component.