A pulsed laser system includes a laser pump, a laser rod, a reflector
interposed between the laser pump and the laser rod, through which energy
from the laser pump enters the laser rod, an output reflector through
which energy is emitted from the laser rod, a switch interposed between
the laser rod and the output reflector, and a control device. The switch,
when closed, causes energy to be stored in the laser rod and, when opened,
allows energy to be emitted from the laser rod during an emission period.
The control device allows a primary laser pulse emitted from the laser rod
during the emission period to impinge on a workpiece and blocks from the
workpiece secondary laser emission occurring during the emission period
after emission of the primary pulse. The pulsed laser system is operated
over a range of repetition rates, so as to cause laser energy to be
emitted during a plurality of emission periods at each repetition rate. At
least a portion of the laser energy emitted during the emission periods is
directed toward the target structure in order to perform passive or
functional trimming of the target structure. The switch is closed for a
fixed, predetermined period of time prior to each emission period
regardless of repetition rate of the primary laser pulse within the range
of repetition rates in order to store energy in the laser rod. The pump is
operated continuously at constant power.