Abstract: A method for implementing a coherent laser beam combining system in which a master laser oscillator output is split into N signals, fed through N phase adjusters and N amplifiers and combined in a coherent power combiner. The output of the combiner is sampled and sent to a processor. The processor selects one of the N phase adjusters, sweeps the phase in small steps over a 2? range, and locks the phase of that adjuster to the phase that corresponds to the maximum value of the combiner sample for that sweep cycle. The process is repeated for all the remaining phase adjusters resulting in maximizing the combiner output. The sweep cycles are repeated continuously to correct any phase errors that may occur over time. A similar method can be used in which both the polarizations and the phases of the N signals are maximized to thereby maximize the output of the coherent power combiner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pumping lamp for use with lasers comprising a porous substrate loaded with a component capable of emitting light upon interaction of the component with exciting radiation and a source of exciting radiation. Preferably, the pumping lamp comprises a source of exciting radiation, such as an electron beam, and an aerogel or xerogel substrate loaded with a component capable of interacting with the exciting radiation, e.g., a phosphor, to produce light, e.g., visible light, of a suitable band width and of a sufficient intensity to generate a laser beam from a laser material.

Abstract: An improved high energy laser (HEL) mirror is provided wherein the internal surfaces of the molybdenum structure of the mirror defining passageways for water coolant flow are plated with a substantially continuous coating of tungsten by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques described by the invention herein. The mirror is thereby made resistant to the corrosive action of the circulating coolant water on the molybdenum structure comprising the laser mirror.

Abstract: A gas bearing suspended rotating laser window unit having a supporting structure adapted for mounting adjacent the aperture of a laser. The supporting structure rotatably suspends therein a laser window, the laser window being in optical alignment with the aperture of the laser. A gas bearing is utilized to suspend the window while a drive means provides the motive force necessary for the rotational movement of the window. In addition the gas bearing source or a secondary fluid source provides cooling of the laser window to take place during the rotation thereof in the supporting structure.