Quad flashlamp driver

Many medical, industrial, and military applications require high pulse repetition rate and high average power lasing devices. To produce higher repetition rates and/or higher average power systems, laser engineers often combine the outputs of multiple resonators using multiple laser drivers accordingly. Previously we used Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) drivers for this application—each requiring individual pulse timing. The new multiple laser driver significantly reduces cost, size, weight, and complexity as well as improves signal timing. A single AC power circuit, HV DC power circuit, safety interlock circuit, microcontroller, diagnostic circuit and energy storage circuit are shared among multiple laser driver outputs, eliminating redundancy. The method of using a single high power HV charging module allows for reduced size, weight, and component count—improving reliability and dependability. The method of using shared, integrated components improves timing accuracy as external cabling and discrete interface hardware are eliminated.