Patent ID: 8687270

Claim:
A main amplifier system comprising: a first reflector operable to receive input light through a first aperture and direct the input light along an optical path, wherein the input light is characterized by a first polarization; a first polarizer disposed along the optical path, wherein the first polarizer is operable to reflect light characterized by the first polarization state; a first set of amplifier modules disposed along the optical path, wherein each of the first set of amplifier modules comprises: an entrance window; a quarter wave plate; a plurality of amplifier slablets arrayed substantially parallel to each other; and an exit window; a second set of amplifier modules disposed along the optical path, wherein each of the second set of amplifier modules comprises: an entrance window; a quarter wave plate; a plurality of amplifier slablets arrayed substantially parallel to each other; and an exit window; a set of mirrors operable to reflect light exiting the first set of amplifier modules to enter the second set of amplifier modules; a second polarizer disposed along the optical path, wherein the second polarizer is operable to reflect light characterized by a second polarization state; and a second reflector disposed along the optical path and operable to direct light through a second aperture.