Abstract: A laser controller (12) that has particular application for controlling a solid state diode laser (10) including a series of gain modules and associated diode arrays. The laser controller (12) includes a control console (44) including a touch screen (46) that allows a laser operator to interface with the controller (12) to control the laser (10) and laser parameters. The control console (44) includes a target monitor (50) that allows the operator to view the laser beam at a reduced beam intensity for alignment and beam quality purposes. The laser controller (12) further includes a computer (14) having a counter circuit (20) that outputs a signal to set the pulse width and pulse rate of the laser beam output. This control allows the laser beam output to be ramped from one beam intensity to another beam intensity during a laser operation.