Abstract: Slab lasers and method for producing high power coherent laser radiation of good quality. In one embodiment, a slab laser comprises a slab laser medium, an energy source configured to deliver energy to the laser medium, and first and second optical elements. The first optical element has a first reflective surface at a first boundary of the laser medium, and the second optical element has a second reflective surface at a second boundary of the laser medium. The first and second reflective surfaces face each other across the length of the laser medium, and at least one of the first and second optical elements includes a plurality of reflective regions configured to modify the phase distribution of the incident laser radiation propagating from the reflective regions. The first and second reflective surfaces are also positioned at an angle relative to each other to form a laser resonator.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for distributing laser energy are disclosed herein. A method configured in accordance with one embodiment includes establishing communication with a laser energy source configured to dispense laser energy, and enabling the laser energy source to dispense laser energy by transferring laser energy credits to the laser energy source. The transferred laser energy credits correspond to an amount of enabled laser energy.

Abstract: Laser beam positioning systems for material processing and methods for using such systems are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a laser-based material processing system, for example, can include (a) a radiation source configured to produce a laser beam and direct the beam along a beam path, and (b) a laser beam positioning assembly in the beam path. The laser beam positioning assembly can include a first focusing element, first and second reflective optical elements, and a second focusing element. The first focusing element can focus the laser beam to a first focal point between the first and second reflective optical elements. The first and second reflective optical elements can direct the laser beam toward a material processing area while the laser beam has a decreasing or increasing cross-sectional dimension. The second focusing element can focus the laser beam and direct the beam toward the material processing area.

Abstract: A laser includes a laser source and an power source arranged such that both components have substantially the same cross-section, with cooling fins arranged axially along the length of each element. The components are arranged end-to-end in a series to form an assembly with substantially the same cross-section along the entire length of the assembly. A shroud mounted along the assembly forms a single air channel directing air from a fan along the entire length of the assembly, for cooling both the power source and the laser source with the total air flow from the at least one fan. The laser source and the power source are arranged in series such that the laser source is cooled first, and the subsequent air flow, although slightly warmer from cooling the laser source, is sufficient to cool the power source.

Abstract: Laser beam positioning systems for material processing and methods for using such systems are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a laser-based material processing system, for example, can include (a) a radiation source configured to produce a laser beam and direct the beam along a beam path toward a material processing area, and (b) a laser beam positioning assembly in the beam path. The laser beam positioning assembly can include a first focusing element, first and second reflective optical elements (e.g., movable mirrors), and a second focusing element. The first focusing element can focus the laser beam to a first focal point between the first and second reflective optical elements. The first and second reflective optical elements can direct the laser beam toward the material processing area while the laser beam has a decreasing or increasing cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter).

Abstract: Gas lasers including nanoscale catalysts and methods for producing such lasers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a gas laser includes a gas containment structure having a gas discharge region and a laser gas medium in the gas discharge region. The gas laser also includes a plurality of optical elements spaced apart from each other at opposite ends of the gas discharge region to form a laser resonator. The gas laser further includes a nanoscale catalyst proximate to and in communication with the gas discharge region to modify oxidation and/or decomposition processes of selected components of the laser gas medium. In one embodiment, the nanoscale catalyst can include a metal-oxide support substrate carrying a plurality of nanoscale particulates. The nanoscale particulates can be composed of one or more of the following: gold, silver, or platinum, and have an average size of about 1-50 nm.

Abstract: An air cooled laser includes a laser housing with a laser module and heat sinks therein connected to a high pressure blower structure for causing an airflow to remove heat from the heat sinks and maintain the laser module at a stable operating temperature.

Abstract: Gas lasers including nanoscale catalysts and methods for producing such lasers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a gas laser includes a gas containment structure having a gas discharge region and a laser gas medium in the gas discharge region. The gas laser also includes a plurality of optical elements spaced apart from each other at opposite ends of the gas discharge region to form a laser resonator. The gas laser further includes a nanoscale catalyst proximate to and in communication with the gas discharge region to modify oxidation and/or decomposition processes of selected components of the laser gas medium. In one embodiment, the nanoscale catalyst can include a metal-oxide support substrate carrying a plurality of nanoscale particulates. The nanoscale particulates can be composed of one or more of the following: gold, silver, or platinum, and have an average size of about 1-50 nm.

Abstract: A laser safety enclosure structure has an outer enclosure made of a formable material with a limited ability to withstand exposure to a laser beam and an inner enclosure composed of a laser beam blocking material capable of indefinitely withstanding exposure to a laser beam of a given wavelength and power level so as to prevent such a laser beam incident on the blocking material from escaping the inner enclosure.

Abstract: A laser system 20 enables quickly releasing and replacing a laser source 41 mounted in a laser compartment 40 by interfacing engaging members 32,43 of the platform 40 and source 41, respectively to place the pre-aligned beam 42 in operative relation with the pre-aligned beam delivery system 31 and closing the compartment with a latchable 45 cover 44 without the use of any tools and without the need for any additional beam alignment.