Patent ID: 7742511

Claim:
A laser system for processing a workpiece, the laser system comprising: a tunable pulsed laser source having an output comprising a set of optical pulses, wherein the tunable pulsed laser source comprises: a seed source adapted to generate a seed signal; an optical circulator having a first port coupled to the seed source, a second port, and a third port; a modulator driver adapted to produce an electrical waveform; an amplitude modulator coupled to the modulator driver and adapted to receive the electrical waveform, wherein the amplitude modulator is characterized by a first side coupled to the second port of the optical circulator and a second side; a first optical amplifier characterized by an input end and a reflective end, wherein the input end is coupled to the second side of the amplitude modulator; and a second optical amplifier coupled to the third port of the optical circulator; a controller configured to adjust laser parameters of the tunable pulsed laser source; a supporting member configured to support the workpiece; and an optical system configured to adjust laser beams from the tunable pulsed laser source and direct them towards the workpiece.