Abstract: A cooling block 17 has three water channels 21 formed so as to be located near an LD device 18 fixed to a side surface 17c, each water channel 21 having a water channel sectional shape like an elongated hole, and being inclined relative to the side surface 17c. Heat generated by the LD device 18 is eliminated by cooling water flowing through the water channels 21. The water channel sectional area of an inlet manifold water channel is rendered not less than twice the water channel sectional area of the cooling block water channel. Irregularities are formed on the inner surface of each of the cooling block water channels. Further, an inlet portion of the cooling block water channel is chamfered or given a curvature.

Abstract: Mounting substrate and heat sink for high-power diode laser bars, the mounting substrate permitting mounting of the high-power diode laser bars by hard-soldering on the basis of a matching expansion to the semiconductor material. The mounting substrate is difficult to bend and of extremely high thermal conductivity, and can be used universally for the various cooling elements of conductive and convective cooling mechanisms.

Abstract: A heat sink module consistent with the present invention includes a heat pipe for efficient heat transfer heat away from a semiconductor pump laser. The heat pipe heat sink occupies less space than a conventional heat sink, and the condenser portion of the heat pipe heat sink can be easily manufactured using an extrusion process.

Abstract: A hand-held laser device includes a casing formed with a substantially hollow interior space and having a laser emitter thereinside. The laser emitter is formed with an exciting lamp and a laser rod. A source generating a stream of gaseous coolant is provided within the interior space. A fluid cooling arrangement at least partially surrounding the laser rod is disposed within the stream of gaseous coolant for heat removal therefrom.

Abstract: In a device for cooling diode lasers, it is aimed to increase the heat transfer coefficient, with a low overall height of the device, in such a manner that the pressure losses occurring also effectively ensure that stacked heat sinks are operated in parallel in terms of flow. Channels arranged in superimposed planes are divided, in each plane, into groups which are flow-connected in series and, in order to be connected in series, open out into flow-connecting links which are common to the superimposed planes. The device is suitable as a heat sink for diode lasers, in particular for cooling diode laser arrays and stacks thereof.

Abstract: A fluid-filled heat sink is positioned on the emission surface of a laser diode. The light beam emitted by the laser diode aperture will propagate though the optically transparent fluid to be transmitted through an output window of the heat sink. Heat generated by the laser diode will be transferred by the thermally conductive fluid to the heat sink housing which will radiate the heat or transfer the heat to a secondary heat sink.

Abstract: A solid-state laser includes a crystal wafer provided as an active medium, a cooling chamber for accommodating a cooling liquid, and an optically transparent support body. The crystal wafer has a flat side that faces the cooling chamber and a side that is remote from the cooling chamber. The flat side of the crystal wafer is in direct thermal contact with the cooling liquid. The cooling chamber has a wall element that is formed by the crystal wafer. The optically transparent support body is configured on the side of the crystal wafer that is remote from the cooling chamber. Since, the crystal wafer is in direct thermal contact with the cooling liquid, a minimal heat transfer resistance is ensured that even when the crystal wafer becomes deformed.

Abstract: A hybrid mirror for reflecting high power optical beams comprises a reaction sintered silicon carbide substrate to which is bonded a plurality of silicon faceplates containing a plurality of coolant passages.

Abstract: Reflective powder, such as barium sulfate, within a reflector chamber of a solid-state optical pumping laser is effectively isolated from coolant-water, preventing contact therewith. Degeneration of reflectors and diminution of lasing magnitude is avoided. Water seals are shielded from substantially all light from the flashlamps by a light barrier. Ultraviolet light from the flashlamps is blocked from contacting the water seals. Degradation of the seals is eliminated; and water leakage-contact with the reflective powder is prevented.

Abstract: A support structure for the mounting of laser diode arrays, to facilitate the pumping of a suitably-shaped lasing medium, is constituted by a non-planar, preferably generally annularly-shaped, thermally conductive portion having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being shaped to accommodate an appropriate number of laser diode arrays to pump the medium. The outer surface may have cooling fins provided on the outside to facilitate the removal of heat from the vicinity of the laser diode arrays. Axial or circumferential cooling passages may be provided to facilitate removal of heat from the vicinity of the lasing medium, as well as the arrays. The lasing medium also may be surrounded by a cooling tube through which coolant flows, to facilitate removal of heat from the vicinity of the lasing medium in particular.

Abstract: At least part of the waveguide of a laser, the waveguide including a first cladding layer, an active layer, and a second cladding layer of a second conductivity type, and, for a ridge type laser, a ridge in the second cladding layer, has a width such that light leaks from the side walls of the waveguide. A case encloses the side walls of the waveguide and a fluid having a refractive index is sealed in the case in contact with the side walls of the waveguide. A characteristic of the laser can be adjusted easily. Therefore a laser having a uniform characteristic can be provided at a low cost. This laser is useful as a light source for wavelength multiplex transmission used for optical transmission, of a main line system, such as a submarine cable.

Abstract: The modularized fiber optic laser system includes at least one master oscillator for producing a master laser signal and a plurality of optical amplification modules that independently amplify portions of the master laser signal. Each optical amplification module includes a plurality of optical fiber amplifiers and at least one pump source associated with each optical fiber amplifier for pumping the respective optical fiber amplifier. The optical amplification module also includes a power source for providing power to the pump sources. Each optical amplification module preferably consumes no more than a first predetermined amount of power during operation. As such, the power source is adapted to provide at least a first predetermined amount of power without recharging and without power generation. Each optical amplification module is also designed to produce no more than a first predetermined amount of heat during operation.

Abstract: In a laser, the optical cavity includes a pair of spaced-apart electrode plates which are RF excited transversely and a pair of substantially identical spherical mirrors having a radius of curvature, spacing and alignment selected to cause a beam within the cavity to make a plurality of round trips and mirror encounters along a set of off-axis paths, before returning, in phase, to its starting point. The multiple traversals of the cavity result in a long effective gain path equivalent to the number of round trips times the mirror spacing. The plurality of off-axis traversals of the laser beam trace out a plane around the gain region before exiting through the aperture in the first spherical mirror, permitting an effective utilization of the wide excitation region defined by the electrodes. In a CO2 laser, the electrodes are separated by an electrode spacing such that the modes perpendicular to the electrodes are waveguide in nature to form a stable cavity resonator.

Abstract: According to the invention, a high power diode pumped solid state laser is provided. The laser includes a first and second reflective surfaces which form an optical resonator cavity. A laser medium, particularly a Nd doped laser medium for example: a Nd:YAG, a Nd:YLF, or a Nd:YVO4 crystal is provided within the laser cavity. A fundamental frequency laser beam propagates from the front and back ends of the laser medium. The first reflective surface is highly reflective for fundamental beam. The second reflective surface is at least partially reflective for fundamental beam. The laser medium is end pumped by at least one diode pumping apparatus for example, a laser diode, or diode array, or fiber coupled laser diodes, whose wavelength matches at least one laser medium absorption band. The diode pumping apparatus is located adjacent either the front end or the back end of the laser medium, or both. The optical resonator cavity is configured to provide a laser beam diameter in the laser medium from about 0.

Abstract: A passively cooled solid-state laser system for producing high-output power is set forth. The system includes an optics bench assembly containing a laser head assembly which generates a high-power laser beam. A laser medium heat sink assembly is positioned in thermal communication with the laser medium for conductively dissipating waste heat and controlling the temperature of the laser medium. A diode array heat sink assembly is positioned in thermal communication with the laser diode array assembly for conductively dissipating waste heat and controlling the temperature of the laser diode array assembly. The heat sink assemblies include heat exchangers with extending surfaces in intimate contact with phase change material. When the laser system is operating, the phase change material transitions from solid to liquid phase.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for performing treatments on an affected part by irradiating the affected part with a laser beam for treatment is disclosed. This apparatus includes a laser oscillator, a cooling unit including a fan which cools the laser oscillator, a temperature sensor which directly or indirectly detects a temperature of the laser oscillator, and a control unit which drives the fan at roughly constant low speed when a detected temperature by the temperature sensor is below a predetermined reference value and at roughly constant high speed when the detected temperature is the predetermined reference value or more.

Abstract: An active mirror amplifier (AMA) laser module incorporating an optically transparent, rigid substrate having a plurality of cooling passages has one surface thereof disposed against a laser gain medium disk. The substrate also has a plurality of microchannels disposed near or at an outer surface thereof which is in contact with an outer surface of the disk. A cooling medium is circulated through the flow passages and the cooling microchannels to help keep the disk cool during use of the laser. This allows the laser module to operate at significantly increased power without overheating. In one preferred embodiment the disk is attached to the substrate using a pressure differential between a front surface of the disk and the pressure of the coolant. This eliminates attachment-induced thermal stresses of prior art designs and allows the laser to operate at increased power without fracturing the substrate.

Abstract: A gas laser oscillator having at least three discharge tubes disposed along the optical axis, and a spacer having an opening centered on the optical axis. The spacer is disposed between a partially reflective mirror and the closest discharge tube. Further, the discharge tubes are disposed in series along the optical axis, and satisfy the following three formulas simultaneously: r1/r2>1.0  Formula 1 L2/(L1+L2)<0.85  Formula 2 r3/r2<1.4  Formula 3 where the sum of lengths of a pair of discharge tubes disposed at both ends in optical axis direction is L1, the inside diameter of these discharge tubes is r1, the sum of lengths of the other discharge tubes in the optical axis direction is L2, the inside diameter of these discharge tubes is r2, and the inside diameter of the opening of the spacer is r3.

Abstract: A laser device includes a laser rod; a radial array of diode laser pumping devices, wherein each diode laser has a solid connection to the laser rod to maximize laser energy transfer. The diode laser radial array is serially connected via coatings and/or fingers and/or spheres. Cooling of the laser rod and the diode laser radial array is accomplished via a common fluid channel outside the laser rod, wherein a cooling fluid flows past the laser rod and the diode laser radial array. Innovative methods for creating the coating embodiments are disclosed. Various flat diode laser embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A passively cooled solid-state laser system for producing high-output power is set forth. The system includes an optics bench assembly containing a laser head assembly which generates a high-power laser beam. A laser medium heat sink assembly is positioned in thermal communication with the laser medium for conductively dissipating waste heat and controlling the temperature of the laser medium. A diode array heat sink assembly is positioned in thermal communication with the laser diode array assembly for conductively dissipating waste heat and controlling the temperature of the laser diode array assembly. The heat sink assemblies include heat exchangers with extending surfaces in intimate contact with phase change material. When the laser system is operating, the phase change material transitions from solid to liquid phase.

Abstract: A gain module is provided for a master oscillator pumped amplifier system of a solid state laser including a ceramic housing supporting a Nd:YAG lasing slab therein. The slab is fixed relative to the housing by a pair of oppositely disposed compliant and optically transmissive securing members fictionally wedged between the housing and the lasing slab. A plurality of fluid passages are formed in the housing so as to communicate with the lasing slab. As fluid overflows the slab, the compliant securing members prevent the slab from vibrating. Preferably, the securing members are formed as U-shaped polycarbonate bars frictionally engaging the slab on a first surface and positionally adjustable driver bars coupled to the housing via a set screw block on a second surface.

Abstract: External-cavity optically-pumped semiconductor lasers (OPS-lasers) including an OPS-structure having a mirror-structure surmounted by a surface-emitting, semiconductor multilayer (periodic) gain-structure are disclosed. The gain-structure is pumped by light from diode-lasers. The OPS-lasers can provide fundamental laser output-power of about two Watts (2.0 W) or greater. Intracavity frequency-converted arrangements of the OPS-lasers can provide harmonic laser output-power of about one-hundred milliwatts (100 mW) or greater, even at wavelengths in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. These high output powers can be provided even in single axial-mode operation.

Abstract: A laser rod is provided in a first tube through which a cooling medium flows. The laser rod is pumped by a semiconductor laser around and outside the first tube. A laser beam entering from the semiconductor laser into the first tube is diffused by diffusion means before being incident on the laser rod. The diffusion mean is set in a cooling medium in the first tube, so that the laser beam entering into the diffusion means have their reflection component decreased and their refraction component increased.

Abstract: A laser oscillation apparatus includes: a laser cavity unit for generating laser light by being provided a voltage and optically amplifying the generated light by means of a pair of mirrors; and a DC power source for supplying the voltage required for generating the laser light to a pair of discharge electrodes of the cavity unit. Each of a cathode and an anode of the DC power source is grounded via a grounding resistor.

Abstract: A laser device for use in a surgical procedure including a housing forming a part of a handpiece and including interior and exterior regions. A laser cavity extending within the interior region of the housing. A cooling arrangement generating a stream of a first coolant. A precooling unit containing a second concentrated coolant.

Abstract: A retaining unit of a laser oscillator retains, in an integratedly coupled fashion, a chamber for accommodating and retaining a cylindrical YAG rod and excitation light supply units (excitation laser units), a mirror retainer for embracing and retaining a total reflection mirror, and a coupling unit interposed between the chamber and the mirror retainer in an intimately contacted fashion. Cooling water CW introduced from a cooling water inlet port (IN) of the coupling unit into the interior of the retaining unit flows through connection passages within the coupling unit, connection passages within the chamber, internal flow paths of the excitation laser units, connection passages at outside end of the chamber, a flow path within a tube, connection passages within the chamber, and connection passages within the coupling unit, into a cooling water outlet port (OUT) for discharge therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to laser diode arrays having high beam quality and high beam brightness. In one approach, a laser diode array package includes a mount and first and second laser diode arrays disposed on the mount. Each of the laser diode arrays defines an optical axis and has an emitting surface lying in an emitting surface plane. The emitting surface plane of the first laser diode array is displaced relative to the emitting surface plane of the second laser diode array in a direction parallel to one of the optical axes. The optical axes of the first and second laser diode arrays are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to one of the optical axes. First and second lenses are disposed relative to respective emitting surfaces to reduce divergence of light output from the emitting surfaces. In another approach, laser diode array bars are stacked and the individual output beam from each bar is collimated using a short focal length, low aberration lens.

Abstract: A laser beam generating apparatus comprising a first laser beam source oscillating in a near infrared-ray region of, for example, an Nd:YAG laser to generate a laser beam, a second higher harmonic wave generator for generating, from the laser beam emitted from the first laser beam source, a second higher harmonic wave having a half wavelength of the laser beam emitted from the first laser beam source, a splitter for splitting the second higher harmonic wave, a second laser beam source which is supplied with a part of the second higher harmonic wave thus split is input to a Ti:Sapphire laser to be excited and oscillated, thereby generating a laser beam of substantially 700 nm in wavelength, a fourth higher harmonic wave generator for generating a fourth higher harmonic wave from the remaining part of the second higher harmonic wave thus split, a sum frequency mixing composed of a BBO crystal device to which the laser beam of substantially 700 nm in wavelength and the fourth higher harmonic wave are input, and

Abstract: Reflective powder, such as barium sulfate, within a reflector chamber of a solid-state optical pumping laser is effectively isolated from coolant-water, preventing contact therewith. Degeneration of reflectors and diminution of lasing magnitude is avoided. Water seals are shielded from substantially all light from the flashlamps by a light barrier. Ultraviolet light from the flashlamps is blocked from contacting the water seals. Degradation of the seals is eliminated; and water leakage-contact with the reflective powder is prevented.

Abstract: The average power capability of a solid-state laser is increased by cooling the lasing element to a cryogenic temperature. The laser pump chamber is configured to define a flow path for circulating cryogenic fluid. The cryogenic cooling is achieved for rod, slab, active-mirror or disc amplifier-type lasing elements.

Abstract: Stackable laser array elements may be configured to absorb heat effectively from laser elements, to be efficiently repaired and/or replaced, and to be effectively tested. An assembly includes readily replaceable cells having a cavity for the passage of coolant therethrough to cool the laser elements. The cells may be constructed individually for individual testing, and then stacked together and removably secured for easy replacement. The cavities of the cells form a substantially contiguous cavity through the entire assembly for the flow of coolant into and out of the assembly. The cavities of the cells include regions and surfaces which enhance the flow of coolant to regions substantially adjacent to the laser elements for the cooling thereof to provide enhanced cooling of the laser elements in the stack of cells. The flow of the coolant is oriented vertically with respect to horizontally oriented laser elements.

Abstract: A power source control apparatus has a constant current circuit and plural laser diodes. Switching elements are connected in parallel between anodes and cathodes of the laser diodes. Forward voltage drop of the switching elements is set lower than forward voltage drop of the laser diodes. When constant current output from the constant current circuit flows through the laser diodes, the switching element either short-circuits or opens the anode and cathode of the laser diode. Thus, current path is switched vise versa.

Abstract: An optically pumped mid-infrared solid-state laser with high pulse repetition rate is described for use in laser surgery. The laser produces a wavelength between 1.7 and 4.0 microns, and is optically pumped. The rise and fall times of the pump pulses are sufficiently short to avoid thermal lensing induced instability. The laser provides an increased rate of tissue cutting without necessitating an increase in the pulse energy.

Abstract: A character generator for a printer or copier which illuminates a surface of a photoconductor is provided with a cooling device, wherein a line of LEDs is mounted on a bearing surface of a hollow, thin walled profile that runs along the direction of the LED row. The hollow interior is filled with a liquid. On the other side of the hollow profile from the row of LEDs is a heat dissipating structure, such as a finned heat sink.

Abstract: A dye laser for generating laser pulses of long duration comprising an optic resonator which comprises an elongated dye cell, which contains light gain medium that can be excited to population inversion, the outputs of the laser pulses from the dye cell being formed of the end surfaces of the cell. There are mirrors placed in optical connection with the outputs of the laser pulses of the dye cell, at least one of the mirrors being partially transmissive for feeding the laser pulse out. Furthermore, means comprising at least one elongated gas discharge lamp are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the dye cell to feed excitation light into the dye cell so that the excitation light sweeps across the cell in the lateral direction of the cell.

Abstract: The heat generated by a laser oscillator is partly radiated toward a frame. The radiated heat is partly absorbed by a cooling mechanism. The remaining heat is transferred through a chamber which dissipates part of the heat, to a heat insulating panel, which blocks most of the heat. The heat generated by the laser oscillator is partly radiated outwardly and reflected by a casing inwardly toward the frame. The reflected heat is partly absorbed by cooling mechanisms. The remaining heat is transferred through chambers which dissipate part of the heat, to the heat insulating panel, which blocks most of the heat. Therefore, any temperature rise of the frame due to the heat generated by the laser oscillator is very small, and the frame is prevented from being deformed due to the heat from the laser oscillator. Because the frame is not deformed, a laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator is applied to a desired position which remains unchanged.

Abstract: A cooling device of a laser diode array includes a stacking of a plurality of metal plate members formed with a branched groove pattern or apertures acting as a cooling water path, by a chemical etching process.

Abstract: An assembly of N laser diode arrays. Each diode is fitted to the end of a base which forms the anode and is traversed by a hole. The holes of all the bases define a channel for the circulation of fluid for cooling the assembly of diode arrays. Each module includes an array, a base and a corresponding cathode. The modules are separated from each other by a flat joint or gasket.

Abstract: A laser module with integral cooling is disclosed. The module is intended for coupling to a fiber optic cable for various applications. The module is generally cylindrical and has a laser diode array mounted centrally therein. A cooling channel is in thermal relation with the array either directly or via a diamond substrate. A fiber optic coupler mates with the portion of the housing carrying the array and carries a lens subassembly. During assembly, the coupler is positioned to accurately focus the output of the array into a beam suitable for transmission to the fiber optic cable. Coolant is coupled to the channel with a removable coupling manifold or similar arrangement which may also carry electrical contacts for energizing the array.

Abstract: A solid state laser apparatus 10 including a laser gain module 12 for generating high energy laser beams 50 and 52 accompanied by non-lasing radiation 60 which, generates heat in the environment of the laser gain module and the apparatus, generally having an adverse affect on the performance of the apparatus. A heat shield 14 encloses the laser gain module to absorb the non-lasing radiation 60 to shield the components surrounding the shield against temperature increases above levels that adversely affect the laser performance and shields the reflective units 20 and 22. Affixed to the heat shield 14 is a cooling pipe 66 which provides coolant to the roof 64 of the heat shield 14 removing the heat that is absorbed. The pipe 66 is connected to a heat exchanger and pump 24 that circulates coolant through the piping. The heat shield 14 and the cooling apparatus 66 and 24 are designed to keep the temperature increases within 20.degree. C. of the nominal base operating temperature for a particular system.

Abstract: A method for regulating the temperature in a printing plate imaging unit of a printing press, particularly an offset printing press, the imaging unit being operable with laser light generated by a laser diode unit which is switched on and off in accordance with an image pattern to be produced on the printing plate, includes operating, alternatively with the laser diode unit, a heat source arranged near the laser diode unit so that the temperature of the laser diode unit is as constant as possible.

Abstract: A harmonic generator laser system which features a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) or distributed feedback (DFB) tunable diode laser coupled to a quasi-phase matched (QPM) waveguide of optically nonlinear material. Tuning of the DBR laser may be achieved either thermally or via current injection, or both, halving the wavelength of a red laser into the visible blue spectral band. Thermal tuning may provide a coarse tuning adjustment, while injected current may provide fine tuning accessible to a user. Separately or in combination with current tuning, a modulation signal may be applied to the DBR laser for achieving an intensity modulated or a pulsed output. In another embodiment, modulation may be achieved by frequency modulation of the laser. A very compact tunable blue laser is formed. In yet another embodiment a double clad fiber amplifier is disposed between the tunable laser and the waveguide.

Abstract: In a quasi-three-level solid-state laser that is excited by a semiconductor laser, a temperature-controlling apparatus is used to operate the crystal temperature that enables optimum laser operation in terms of both efficiency and output, based on the effect that cooling the crystal has on reducing the efficiency of absorption of power from the semiconductor excitation laser and the effect that cooling the crystal has on lowering the oscillation threshold value.

Abstract: A split-flow laser cooling assembly for providing separate cooling environments for the pumping medium and the laser medium. The device includes a generally transparent monoblock, a pumping medium for providing pump light, and a laser medium responsive to the pump light for generating laser energy. The monoblock is generally transparent and has a first open bore and a second open bore oriented with axis' parallel to each other. The first bore receives the pumping medium such that a pump cooling passage is provided between the monoblock and the pumping medium. Likewise, the second bore receives the laser medium such that a laser cooling passage is provided between the laser medium and the monoblock.

Abstract: A diode laser component has at least one cooling element and at least one laser diode arrangement provided on a mounting surface of the cooling element. The cooling element is produced as a multilayer material or substrate made of several stacked layers joined by their flat sides. These layers consist partially of a metal and partially of an insulating material and/or of a material with a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than metal. At least some of the layers form a cooling plane. At least one cooling channel through which a cooling medium flows is formed in the plane of at least one layer of said cooling plane by at least one recess formed in said layer. Passages or channels are provided for supplying and draining the cooling medium that flows through the cooling channel.

Abstract: A pair of elongated, parallel electrodes (91,92) are insulatively mounted within a tubular housing (111) filled with a laser gas mixture between an arrangement of reflective optical elements (120,150) sealingly mounted at each end of the housing. The electrodes form a rectangular gas discharge area (40) the minimum spacing (A) between which is the diameter of the fundamental free-space mode of the stable, laser resonator (17) formed in the gap when the electrodes are rf excited (13). A multi-pass optical configuration (30,50) uses the full width (B) of the active medium to produce a high power, compact laser (10,200). Deformable support rings (97) are compressed to push the electrodes apart against small cylindrical spacers (99) abutting the inner walls of the housing to maintain the electrodes' spatial relationship. The rf feeds (103) sealingly (112) connected to the electrodes through the housing without disturbing the uniform distribution of forces on the electrodes.

Abstract: To inexpensively and in a simple configuration provide a solid laser amplifier and a solid laser unit capable of generating a high output and high quality laser beam, the unit includes a solid laser medium 5A containing active solid media; a flow tube 14 or the like allowing a cooling medium 24 for cooling the solid laser medium 5A; and a laser array 12 so controlled in temperature as to emit an excitation light 9 for exciting the solid laser medium 5A, the wavelength of which lies within the absorption spectra of a solid laser medium 5A yet does not coincide with that of the absorption spectrum peak of a solid laser medium 5A.

Abstract: A gain medium assembly for a laser system that has or attaches to a cooling fluid source. The gain medium assembly includes a laser system gain medium, an insulating jacket disposed around the gain medium, a cooling jacket disposed around the insulating jacket, and an energy source for optically exciting and heating the gain medium. The cooling jacket defines a cooling channel between itself and the insulating jacket for guiding flowing cooling fluid from the cooling fluid source over the insulating jacket. During operation, the heat in the gain medium dissipates through the insulating jacket and to the cooling fluid in the cooling channel, while the gain medium is maintained at a temperature that is significantly higher than the temperature of the cooling fluid. A gap may be formed between the gain medium and the insulating jacket to allow some of the cooling water to fill the gap and form a thin layer of water, and to provide uniform heat conduction, between the gain medium and the insulating jacket.

Abstract: An optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser diode array achieves stacking pitches to 33 bars/cm by mounting laser diodes into V-shaped grooves. This design will deliver>4kW/cm2 of directional pulsed laser power. This optically corrected, micro-channel cooled, high density laser is usable in all solid state laser systems which require efficient, directional, narrow bandwidth, high optical power density pump sources.

Abstract: A laser suitable for operation in a power range above 0.5 watts comprises a compact housing block defining at least first and second recesses and formed with cooling fluid channels that debouch into the first recess. A pumping source and a laser crystal are mounted in the first recess of the laser housing and beam generating and beam guiding components are mounted in the second recess of the laser housing and define conduits that are connected to the cooling fluid channels.