Patent ID: 7352784
Filing Date: 2008-04-01
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling heat loading of a laser gain medium, comprising the steps of: applying a burst of energy to the laser gain medium, by applying a pulse of pumping power to the gain medium with one or more sources of pumping energy, wherein the burst of energy heats the gain medium; and underheating the laser gain medium sufficiently to bring a thermal condition on the laser gain medium to a predetermined substantially steady state by reducing the pumping power applied to the gain medium below a steady state power before applying a subsequent burst of heat to the laser gain medium, wherein the steps of applying a burst of energy to the laser gain medium and underheating the laser gain medium are performed by: applying a pulse of current at a first current level I reducing the current to the laser diode to a second current level I after applying the pulse of current at the first current level I