Method and apparatus for delivering high power laser energy over long distances

摘要

Systems, devices and methods for the transmission and delivery of high power laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates.

主权项

1. A high power laser drilling system for advancing a borehole comprising:
a. a source of high power laser energy, the laser source capable of providing a laser beam having at least 5 kW of power; b. a tubing assembly, the tubing assembly having at least 1000 feet of tubing, having a distal end and a proximal; c. a source of fluid for use in advancing a borehole; d. the proximal end of the tubing being in fluid communication with the source of fluid, whereby fluid is transported in association with the tubing; e. the proximal end of the tubing being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam is transported in association with the tubing; f. the tubing comprising a high power laser transmission cable; the transmission cable positioned inside the tubing; the transmission cable having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being in optical communication with the laser source, whereby the laser beam is transmitted by the cable from the proximal end to the distal end of the cable for delivery of the laser beam energy to the borehole; the transmission cable comprising an optical fiber having a core and a protective layer; the transmission cable comprising a break detection means; and a stabilizer associated with the protective layer and the tubing, whereby the stabilizer at least partially fixes the optical fiber within the tubing; and, g. the power of the laser energy at the distal end of the cable when the cable is within a borehole being at least about 2 kW.