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.