High-power, solid-state laser in a cylindrical package

摘要

A solid-state laser system for producing high output power and which is packaged in a small, cylindrical housing is set forth. The system includes a plurality of optical energy sources which emit energy that is absorbed by a solid-state laser medium that is configured as a rod. The solid-state laser medium has a central axis, first and second end surfaces, and outer surface between the end surfaces upon which the energy emitted from the optical energy sources is incident. The energy power sources are typically semiconductor laser diode arrays. The laser diode arrays are positioned adjacent to the cylindrical outer surface of the laser medium and usually extend along a substantial portion of the entire length of the outer surface. The system also includes first and second mirrors which are substantially aligned with the central axis of the laser medium for producing laser resonation through the first and second end surfaces of the laser medium. Because of the waste heat produced by the laser medium and the laser diode arrays, the laser system contains a manifold system for circulating a fluid past these components. The cylindrical housing has a diameter that is preferably less than about 2.0 inches and is mechanically coupled to the optics bench. The cylindrical housing is the same size as the housings used in other low-power laser systems so that the same mounting structures which are commonly used to support these other common lasers can be used to support this high-power, solid-state laser system.