Methods and apparatus for delivering high power laser energy to a surface

• US 8,424,617 B2
• Filed: 08/19/2009
• Issued: 04/23/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
• Inventors: Faircloth, Brian O., Zediker, Mark S., Rinzler, Charles C., Koblick, Yeshaya, Moxley, Joel F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Harcourt, Brad
• Application Number:
  US12/544,094
• Publication Number:
  US 20100044105A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,343 Days
• Field of Search: 175/16
• US Class Current: 175/16
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 10/60 characterised by conduits or nozzles for drilling fluids for roller bits E21B10/18; for percussion drill bits E21B10/38
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 21/103 Down-hole by-pass valve arrangements, i.e. between the inside of the drill string and the annulus valves specifically for maintaining circulation of drilling fluid while connecting or disconnecting tubular joints E21B21/019
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 29/00 Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/11 Perforators; Permeators
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/14 Drilling by use of heat, e.g. flame drilling
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/15 of electrically generated heat

Abstract

There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for providing a laser beam to borehole surface in a predetermined and energy deposition profile. The predetermined energy deposition profiles may be uniform or tailored to specific downhole applications. Optic assemblies for obtaining these predetermined energy deposition profiles are further provided.

Claims

1. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly, wherein the laser beam has a Gaussian profile at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection;

d. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;

e. a beam power deposition optic having a property of changing an energy distribution profile within the laser beam; and

,

f. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole; and

,

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optic;

g. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a substantially even energy deposition profile on the bottom surface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the laser source provides more than one laser beams.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the laser source provides a plurality of laser beams to the fiber.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the laser beam is at least about 20 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the laser beam is at least about 3 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the laser beam is at least about 5 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the laser beam is at least about 10 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the laser beam is at least about 15 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the laser beam is at least about 20 kW.

10. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly, wherein the laser beam has a substantially Gaussian profile at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection;

d. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;

e. a beam power deposition optic having a property of changing an energy distribution profile within the laser beam; and

,

f. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole; and

,

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optic;

g. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a substantially even energy deposition profile on the bottom surface.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the laser source provides more than one laser beam.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the laser source provides a plurality of laser beams to the fiber.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the laser beam is at least about 20 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the laser beam is at least about 3 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the laser beam is at least about 5 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the laser beam is at least about 10 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the laser beam is at least about 15 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein the laser source is at least about 20 kW.

19. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly, wherein the laser beam has a super-Gaussian profile at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection;

d. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;

e. a beam power deposition optic having a property of changing an energy distribution profile within the laser beam; and

,

f. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole; and

,

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics;

g. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a substantially even energy deposition profile on the bottom surface.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the laser source provides more than one laser beam.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the laser source provides a plurality of laser beams to the fiber.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the laser beam is at least about 20 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the laser beam is at least about 3 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the laser beam is at least about 5 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

25. The system of claim 19, wherein the laser beam is at least about 10 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

26. The system of claim 19, wherein the laser beam is at least about 15 kW at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection.

27. The system of claim 19, wherein the laser source is at least about 20 kW.

28. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole;

e. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber;

f. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition, wherein the means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition comprises a micro-optics array; and

,

g. the laser delivery means comprising the means for providing the substantially uniform energy deposition.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser delivery means comprises an optical assembly.

30. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the laser bottom hole assembly.

31. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the bottom hole assembly and the bottom hole assembly comprises a rotating optical assembly.

32. The system of claim 31 wherein the bottom hole assembly comprises a mud motor.

33. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser source provides more than one laser beam.

34. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser source provides a plurality of laser beams to the fiber first end.

35. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser beam has a substantially uniform profile at the fiber second end.

36. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser beam is at least about 10 kW at the fiber second end.

37. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser beam is at least about 3 kW at the fiber second end.

38. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser beam is at least about 5 kW at the fiber second end.

39. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser beam is at least about 15 kW at the fiber second end.

40. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser source is from at least about 5 kW to about 20 kW.

41. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser source is at least about 15 kW.

42. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser source is at least about 5 kW.

43. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser beam has a Gaussian profile at the fiber second end.

44. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser beam has a substantially Gaussian profile at the fiber second end.

45. The system of claim 28 wherein the laser beam has a super-Gaussian profile at the fiber second end.

46. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole;

e. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber;

f. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition, wherein the means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition comprises an axicon lens; and

,

g. the laser delivery means comprising the means for providing the substantially uniform energy deposition.

47. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser delivery means comprises an optical assembly.

48. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the laser bottom hole assembly.

49. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the bottom hole assembly and the bottom hole assembly comprises a rotating optical assembly.

50. The system of claim 49 wherein the bottom hole assembly comprises a mud motor.

51. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser source provides more than one laser beam.

52. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser source provides a plurality of laser beams to the fiber first end.

53. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser beam has a Gaussian profile at the fiber second end.

54. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser beam has a substantially Gaussian profile at the fiber second end.

55. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser beam has a super-Gaussian profile at the fiber second end.

56. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser beam has a substantially uniform profile at the fiber second end.

57. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser beam is at least about 10 kW at the fiber second end.

58. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser beam is at least about 3 kW at the fiber second end.

59. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser beam is at least about 5 kW at the fiber second end.

60. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser beam is at least about 15 kW at the fiber second end.

61. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser source is from at least about 5 kW to about 20 kW.

62. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser source is at least about 15 kW.

63. The system of claim 46 wherein the laser source is at least about 5 kW.

64. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole, wherein the laser beam has a Gaussian profile at the second end;

e. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber;

f. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition; and

,

g. the laser delivery means comprising the means for providing the substantially uniform energy deposition.

65. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser delivery means comprises an optical assembly.

66. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the laser bottom hole assembly.

67. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the bottom hole assembly and the bottom hole assembly comprises a rotating optical assembly.

68. The system of claim 67 wherein the bottom hole assembly comprises a mud motor.

69. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser source provides more than one laser beam.

70. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser source provides a plurality of laser beams to the fiber first end.

71. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser beam is at least about 10 kW at the fiber second end.

72. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser beam is at least about 3 kW at the fiber second end.

73. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser beam is at least about 5 kW at the fiber second end.

74. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser beam is at least about 15 kW at the fiber second end.

75. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser source is from at least about 5 kW to about 20 kW.

76. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser source is at least about 15 kW.

77. The system of claim 64 wherein the laser sources at least about 5 kW.

78. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole, wherein the laser beam has a Gaussian profile at the second end;

e. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber;

f. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition; and

,

g. the laser delivery means comprising the means for providing the substantially uniform energy deposition.

79. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser delivery means comprises an optical assembly.

80. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the laser bottom hole assembly.

81. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the bottom hole assembly and the bottom hole assembly comprises a rotating optical assembly.

82. The system of claim 81 wherein the bottom hole assembly comprises a mud motor.

83. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser source provides more than one laser beam.

84. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser source provides a plurality of laser beams to the fiber first end.

85. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser beam is at least about 10 kW at the fiber second end.

86. The system at claim 78 wherein the laser beam is at least about 3 kW at the fiber second end.

87. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser beam is at least about 5 kW at the fiber second end.

88. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser beam is at least about 15 kW at the fiber second end.

89. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser source is from at least about 5 kW to about 20 kW.

90. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser source is at least about 15 kW.

91. The system of claim 78 wherein the laser source is at least about 5 kW.

92. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole, wherein the laser beam has a super-Gaussian profile at the second end;

e. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber;

f. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition; and

,

g. the laser delivery means comprising the means for providing the substantially uniform energy deposition.

93. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser delivery means comprises an optical assembly.

94. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the laser bottom hole assembly.

95. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser delivery means is contained within the bottom hole assembly and the bottom hole assembly comprises a rotating optical assembly.

96. The system of claim 95 wherein the bottom hole assembly composes a mud motor.

97. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser source provides more than one laser beam.

98. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser source provides a plurality of laser beams to the fiber first end.

99. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser beam is at least about 10 kW at the fiber second end.

100. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser beam is at least about 3 kW at the fiber second end.

101. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser beam is at least about 5 kW at the fiber second end.

102. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser beam is at least about 15 kW at the fiber second end.

103. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser source is from at least about 5 kW to about 20 kW.

104. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser source is at least about 15 kW.

105. The system of claim 92 wherein the laser source is at least about 5 kW.

106. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

d. means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole; and

,

e. a beam power deposition optic having a property of changing an energy distribution profile within the laser beam;

f. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics; and

,

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

g. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile comprises at least two concentric areas having different energy deposition profiles.

107. The system of claim 106, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an outside area of the borehole bottom surface.

108. The system of claim 106, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an inside area of the borehole bottom surface.

109. The system of claim 106, comprising a mechanical removal means.

110. The system of claim 106, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 10 kW.

111. The system of claim 106, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 15 kW.

112. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

d. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole; and

,

e. a beam power deposition optic having a property of changing an energy distribution profile within the laser beam;

f. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics; and

;

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

g. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is provided by a series of laser shot patterns.

113. The system of claim 112, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an outside area of the borehole bottom surface.

114. The system of claim 112, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an inside area of the borehole bottom surface.

115. The system of claim 112, comprising a mechanical removal means.

116. The system of claim 112, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 10 kW.

117. The system of claim 112, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 15 kW.

118. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

d. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole; and

,

e. a beam power deposition optic having a property of changing an energy distribution profile within the laser beam;

f. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics; and

,

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

g. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is provided by a scattered laser shot pattern.

119. The system of claim 118, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an outside area of the borehole bottom surface.

120. The system of claim 118, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an inside area of the borehole bottom surface.

121. The system of claim 118, comprising a mechanical removal means.

122. The system of claim 118, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 10 kW.

123. The system of claim 118, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 15 kW.

124. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

d. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole; and

,

e. a beam power deposition optic having a property of changing an energy distribution profile within the laser beam;

f. a mechanical removal means;

g. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optic; and

,

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

h. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, where in the predetermined energy deposition profile is based, at least in part, upon the mechanical stresses applied by the mechanical removal means.

125. The system of claim 124, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an outside area of the borehole bottom surface.

126. The system of claim 124, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an inside area of the borehole bottom surface.

127. The system of claim 124, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 10 kW.

128. The system of claim 124, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 15 kW.

129. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

d. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole; and

,

e. a beam power deposition optic having a property of changing an energy distribution profile within the laser beam;

f. a mechanical removal means;

g. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optic; and

,

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

h. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile has at least two areas of differing energy and the energies in the areas correspond inversely to the mechanical forces applied by the mechanical means.

130. The system of claim 129, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an outside area of the borehole bottom surface.

131. The system of claim 129, wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is biased toward an inside area of the borehole bottom surface.

132. The system of claim 129, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 10 kW.

133. The system of claim 129, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 15 kW.

134. A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:

a. advancing a high power laser beam transmission means into a borehole;

i. the borehole having a bottom surface, a side wall surface, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;

ii. the transmission means comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;

iii. the transmission means comprising a means for transmitting high power laser energy;

b. providing a laser beam to the proximal end of the transmission means;

c. transmitting substantially all power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission means so that the beam exits the distal end having a first energy distribution profile;

d. transmitting the laser beam from the distal end to an optical assembly in a laser bottom hole assembly, wherein the laser beam is changed to a second energy distribution profile;

e. directing the laser beam, having a power of at least about 5 kW and having the second energy distribution profile, to a surface of the borehole; and

,

f. therein providing the laser beam to the surface of the borehole in a predetermined pattern;

wherein the borehole surface defines a borehole surface area, the predetermined pattern defines a pattern area, and the laser beam defines a spot area;

wherein the borehole surface area is equal to or greater than the pattern area, and the pattern area is greater than the laser spot area;

wherein the predetermined pattern is configured to illuminate a majority of the borehole surface area with the laser beam and in a predetermined energy deposition profile to the borehole surface area;

g. whereby the length of the borehole is increased, in part, based upon the interaction of the laser beam with the surface of the borehole.

135. The method of claim 134, comprising mechanically removing laser illuminated material from the borehole surface using a mechanical force, and wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is based, at least in part, upon the mechanical force applied during mechanical removal.

136. A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:

a. advancing a high power laser beam transmission fiber into a borehole;

i. the borehole having a bottom surface, a side wall surface, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;

ii. the transmission means comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;

b. providing a laser beam, having a power of at least about 10 kW, to the proximal end of the transmission fiber;

c. transmitting the power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission fiber so that the beam exits the distal end; and

,

d. creating a laser beam spot, having a power of at least about 5 kW, and directing the laser beam spot to the bottom surface of the borehole in a predetermined pattern;

wherein the predetermined pattern defines an area illuminating essentially all of the bottom surface; and

, wherein the predetermined pattern provides a substantially uniform energy deposition profile to the area;

e. whereby the length of the borehole is increased, in part, based upon the interaction of the laser beam with the bottom surface of the borehole.

137. The method of claim 136, comprising mechanically removing laser illuminated material from the borehole surface using a mechanical force, and wherein the substantially uniform energy deposition profile is based, at least in part, upon the mechanical force applied during mechanical removal.

138. A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:

a. advancing a high power laser beam transmission fiber into a borehole;

i. the borehole having a bottom, a side wall, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;

ii. the transmission fiber comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;

b. providing a laser beam, having a power of at least about 10 kW and having an energy distribution profile, to the proximal end of the transmission means;

c. transmitting the power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission fiber so that the beam exits the distal end and enters a laser bottom hole assembly;

d. changing the energy distribution profile of the laser beam; and

,

e. directing the laser beam, having a power of at least about 5 kW, toward the bottom of the borehole in a predetermined pattern defining a first area, and the laser beam as directed having a cross section defining an area smaller than the first area; and

, wherein the predetermined pattern provides a predetermined energy deposition profile to the bottom of the borehole, wherein a majority of the bottom is illuminated by the predetermined pattern, and whereby the length of the borehole is increased, in part, based upon the interaction of the laser beam with the bottom of the borehole.

139. A laser bottom hole assembly for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a laser beam path;

b. a first chamber along the beam path;

c. a rotatable optical connector means located along the beam path;

d. a beam shaping optics located along the beam path;

e. a beam power deposition optics located along the beam path;

f. a second chamber along the beam path, the second chamber containing the beam shaping optics, the beam power optics and an incompressible transmissive fluid; and

,

g. a beam delivery opening in the laser bottom hole assembly along the beam path;

h. whereby, a laser beam is capable of traveling along the laser beam path and exiting the bottom hole assembly through the delivery opening so that it may illuminate a borehole surface.

140. A laser bottom hole assembly for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a laser beam path;

b. a first chamber along the beam path;

c. a rotatable optical connector means located along the beam path;

d. a beam shaping optics located along the beam path;

e. a second chamber along the beam path, the second chamber containing the beam shaping optics, the beam power optics and an incompressible transmissive fluid; and

,

f. a beam delivery opening in the laser bottom hole assembly along the beam path;

g. whereby, a laser beam traveling through the bottom hole assembly along the beam path travels through b), then c) then e) and then f).

141. A laser bottom hole assembly for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a laser beam path;

b. a first chamber along the beam path;

c. an optical connector means located along the beam path;

d. a collimating optics located along the beam path;

e. an axicon optics located along the beam path;

f. a second chamber along the beam path, the second chamber comprising d) and e), and a means to resist downhole pressures; and

,

g. a beam delivery opening in the laser bottom hole assembly along the beam path;

h. whereby, a laser beam is capable of traveling along the laser beam path and exiting the bottom hole assembly through the delivery opening so that it may illuminate a borehole surface.

142. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole;

e. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber; and

,

f. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition, comprising a micro-optics array.

143. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. the laser beam having a Gaussian profile at the fiber second end;

e. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole;

f. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber; and

,

g. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition, comprising a micro-optics array.

144. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. the laser beam having a substantially Gaussian profile at the fiber second end;

e. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole;

f. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber; and

,

g. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition.

145. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. the laser beam having a super-Gaussian profile at the fiber second end;

e. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole;

f. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber; and

,

g. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition.

146. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly; and

,

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

d. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics; and

,

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

d. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, comprising at least two concentric area having different energy deposition profiles.

147. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly; and

,

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

d. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics; and

,

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

e. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, and wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is provided by a series of laser shot patterns.

148. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly; and

,

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

d. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics; and

,

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

e. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, and wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is provided by a scattered laser shot patterns.

149. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a mechanical removal means; and

,

d. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

e. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics; and

,

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

f. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, and wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is based, at least in part upon, the mechanical stresses applied by the mechanical removal means.

150. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a mechanical removal means; and

,

d. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

e. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics; and

,

iii. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface configured to provide a predetermined energy deposition profile;

f. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a predetermined energy deposition profile, and wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile has at least two areas of differing energy and the energies in the areas correspond inversely to the mechanical forces applied by the mechanical means.

151. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly, wherein the laser beam has a Gaussian profile at the fiber bottom hole assembly connection;

d. a means for providing the laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole;

e. a beam power deposition optic having a property of changing an energy distribution profile within the laser beam;

f. a mechanical removal means; and

,

g. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. the means for providing the laser beam to the bottom surface of the borehole; and

,

ii. the providing means comprising the beam power deposition optics;

h. wherein, the laser beam as delivered from the bottom hole assembly illuminates the bottom surface of the borehole with a substantially even energy deposition profile on the bottom surface, and wherein the substantially even energy deposition profile is based, at least in part, upon mechanical forces applied by the mechanical removal means.

152. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly;

c. an optical fiber;

i. having a first and a second end;

ii. having a length between the first and second ends;

iii. the first end being optically associated with the laser source;

iv. the fiber having a length of at least about 1000 ft;

d. a means for delivering a laser beam from the laser source to a surface of the borehole;

e. the laser delivery means connected to and optically associated with the second end of the optical fiber;

f. a means for providing a substantially uniform energy deposition;

g. a mechanical removal means; and

,

h. the laser delivery means comprising the means for providing the substantially uniform energy deposition, and wherein the substantially uniform energy deposition profile is based, at least in part, upon the mechanical forces applied by the mechanical removal means.

153. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly; and

,

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly;

f. a mechanical removal means; and

,

e. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. a means for providing a laser beam to a bottom surface of the borehole in a predetermined pattern, wherein the predetermined pattern is configured to illuminate a majority of the borehole bottom surface and in a predetermined energy deposition profile, and wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is based, at least in part, upon the mechanical forces applied by the mechanical removal means.

154. The system of claim 153, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 10 kW.

155. The system of claim 153, wherein the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly has a power of at least about 15 kW.

156. A system for creating a borehole in the earth comprising:

a. a high power laser source;

b. a bottom hole assembly; and

,

c. a fiber optically connecting the laser source with the bottom hole assembly, such that a laser beam from the laser source is transmitted to the bottom hole assembly, the laser beam at the bottom hole assembly having a power of at least about 5 kW;

d. a mechanical removal means;

e. the bottom hole assembly comprising;

i. a means for providing a substantially elliptical shaped laser beam spot having a power of at least about 5 kW to the bottom surface of the borehole in a rotating manner to thereby provide a predetermined energy deposition profile to the bottom surface of the borehole, and wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is based, at least in part, upon the mechanical forces applied by the mechanical removal means.

157. A method of advancing a borehole using a laser, the method comprising:

a. advancing a transmission means into a borehole;

i. the borehole having a bottom surface, a side wall surface, a top opening, and a length extending between the bottom surface and the top opening of at least about 1000 feet;

ii. the transmission means comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;

iii. the transmission means comprising a means for transmitting high power laser energy;

b. providing a high power laser beam to the proximal end of the transmission means;

c. transmitting substantially all power of the laser beam down the length of the transmission means so that the beam exits the distal end;

d. transmitting the laser beam from the distal end to an optical assembly in a laser bottom hole assembly;

e. the laser bottom hole assembly directing the laser beam to a surface of the borehole;

f. providing a predetermined energy deposition profile to the surface of the borehole; and

,

g. mechanically removing laser illuminated material from the surface of the borehole using a mechanical force;

h. wherein the predetermined energy deposition profile is based, at least in part, upon the mechanical force.