Abstract: Optically pumped laser wherein the light beam P, which comes, for example, via light conductors 4 from the pump light source 200, is split into two component beams (T1, T2), for example, by a beam splitter 2. The two component beams (T1, T2) are directed to the laser medium 1 separately, for example, from both ends, or at an angle onto one end. Laser crystals such as Nd:YVO.sub.4, Nd:YLF, Nd:LSB or Nd:YAP having polarization-dependent absorption are especially suitable for pumping.

Abstract: An axially optically pumped laser 11 is penetrated coaxially by a target beam .lambda..sub.2. This penetration of the pumped laser occurs via light conductor 2 by means of laser diode 31. The pumped laser 11 can be an erbium--YAG laser. For this purpose, the dispersion, diffraction and reflection of an incoupling optic 12, of laser 11 and a focusing device 13 are suitably matched to each other in order that the pump light .lambda..sub.3, work beam .lambda..sub.1 and target beam .lambda..sub.2 are suitably guided and are suitable for small diameters. The laser arrangement is suitable as a medical device for ears, nose and throat and eyes and can be utilized with an endoscope.

Abstract: At least one narrow-band emitting pump radiation source is provided in a laser arrangement having a laser medium to be pumped. The supplied pump radiation includes at least two pump radiation components which are different with respect to power. The component with lower power functions to generate a visible target beam. Such a laser arrangement is especially suitable in a medical laser system.

Abstract: A solid-state laser has a rod-shaped laser medium with planar end faces and a pumping radiation source whose pumping radiation reaches the laser medium by means of an optical element arranged in a longitudinal configuration adjacent to a planar end face of the laser medium. The optical element is arranged in thermal contact with a cooling element and is optically dimensioned so as to result in a minimum diameter of the transverse mode profile within the laser resonator.

Abstract: An optical probe head has a front optic and an annular enclosure surrounding the front optic. The enclosure contains the illuminating device of the probe head. The front optic is rigidly attached to the optical probe head and the enclosure having the illuminating device and surrounding the front optic is attached to the optical probe head so as to be radially yieldable. In the case of a collision, only the enclosure having the illuminating optics is therefore deflected; whereas, the imaging optics remains undisturbed. In this way, a follow-up calibration of the probe head after a collision is no longer required.