High power NdYAG laser

摘要

An improved optically pumped NdYAG laser amplifier is provided having high average power and high pulse repetition rates with improved energy conversion efficiency. The amplifier employs a coating on the pump cavity surface which is highly reflective of light at the pumping wavelength and samarium coated flow tubes surrounding the flash lamps to enhance transmission of pumping wavelengths. A system of two amplifiers is described for metal cutting applications including cutting of aerospace metals without discoloration of the metal at the edge of the cut.