Abstract: A laser apparatus includes a plurality of laser modules, and includes a function for preventing a defect arising when switching the number of laser modules to be driven. The laser apparatus includes the plurality of laser modules, a combiner configured to combine laser beams from the plurality of laser modules, an optical output command section configured to generate a first optical output command for a combined laser beam, and a laser module selection/command section configured to select a laser module to be driven from the plurality of laser modules, based on the first optical output command and to generate a second optical output command for each of the laser modules that have been selected. The laser module selection/command section is configured to set a threshold value for a first optical output command to be different between when increasing and reducing the number of laser modules to be driven.

Abstract: A laser apparatus including plural laser modules, and capable of preventing a defect occurring when a number of the modules to be driven is changed. The apparatus includes plural laser modules, an optical output command section for generating a first optical output command with respect to a combined laser beam from a combiner, and a laser module selection/command section for selecting a laser module to be driven and generating a second optical output command for each laser module. The laser module selection/command section outputs the second optical output command, in a period from when the number is changed to when a predetermined period of time elapses, to at least one of the laser modules that has been laser-oscillating before the number is changed, such that the combined laser beam having an output corresponding to the first optical output command is outputted only by the at least one laser module.

Abstract: A laser apparatus includes a plurality of laser modules, and includes a function for preventing a defect arising when switching the number of laser modules to be driven. The laser apparatus includes the plurality of laser modules, a combiner configured to combine laser beams from the plurality of laser modules, an optical output command section configured to generate a first optical output command for a combined laser beam, and a laser module selection/command section configured to select a laser module to be driven from the plurality of laser modules, based on the first optical output command and to generate a second optical output command for each of the laser modules that have been selected. The laser module selection/command section is configured to set a threshold value for a first optical output command to be different between when increasing and reducing the number of laser modules to be driven.

Abstract: A laser apparatus including plural laser modules, and capable of preventing a defect occurring when a number of the modules to be driven is changed. The apparatus includes plural laser modules, an optical output command section for generating a first optical output command with respect to a combined laser beam from a combiner, and a laser module selection/command section for selecting a laser module to be driven and generating a second optical output command for each laser module. The laser module selection/command section outputs the second optical output command, in a period from when the number is changed to when a predetermined period of time elapses, to at least one of the laser modules that has been laser-oscillating before the number is changed, such that the combined laser beam having an output corresponding to the first optical output command is outputted only by the at least one laser module.