An improved Q-switched laser and laser rod in which the threshold of double pulsing is significantly raised. In a Q-switched laser, the laser cavity includes a front mirror which is partially transmissive, a rear mirror element and a lasable rod like element positioned between the two mirrors. The rear mirror is controlled in such a manner that it sequentially presents reflective and nonreflective surfaces to the laser rod. This then prevents lasing action from occurring until such time as the reflective surface is presented to the rod. In order to prevent double pulsing, pulsing which occurs as the rear mirror is moving into its proper alignment, a pulse suppression optical discontinuity is provided within the laser cavity. This may take the form of a bevel portion on one end of the laser rod itself. The bevel portion is aligned such that it is positioned in the direction of opening of the rear mirror to the rod. The bevel is preferably positioned at an angle greater than the critical angle of the material of the laser rod and serves to prevent shallow angle reflections and refractions from being propagated through the rod or from mirror to mirror.
Laser processing methods, systems and apparatus having a super-modulating power supply (6) or pumping subsystem (5) and high beam quality (i.e., brightness) are disclosed. The methods, systems and apparatus have significant benefits, improved operation characteristics and material processing capability over currently available methods, systems and apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the beam quality of a high power solid state laser (2) is improved in the presence of thermal lensing. High power laser cutting, scribing, and welding results are improved with a combination of modulation and high beam quality while providing for improved processing speeds.
An optical device includes a block of optical material. The block includes a first and second end face, and a portion of the first end face includes at least one convex arcuate portion.
