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Methods for enhancing the efficiency of creating a borehole using high power laser systems

  • US 8,757,292 B2
  • Filed: 03/13/2013
  • Issued: 06/24/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/20/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of enhancing the efficiency of forming a borehole using a high power laser having at least about 10 kW of power, the method comprising:

  • a. a plurality of steps defining a critical path to complete a borehole,b. advancing a high power laser beam transmission fiber into a borehole;

    i. the transmission fiber comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a length of at least about 1000 feet extending between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being advanced down the borehole;

    ii. the transmission fiber comprising a means for suppressing nonlinear scattering phenomena arising from the transmission of at least about a 10 kW laser beam within the transmission fiber;

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

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

    ,e. directing the laser beam to a location associated with the borehole and thereby performing a step;

    f. wherein, the laser performed step, in part, shortens the critical path to complete the borehole.

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