Laser tool configured for downhole beam generation

A laser tool configured to operate within a wellbore, the laser tool comprising:

• a generator to generate a laser beam, the generator being configured to fit within the wellbore, to withstand at least some environmental conditions within the wellbore, and to generate the laser beam from within the wellbore, the laser beam having an optical power from one kilowatt (1 kW) to ten kilowatts (10 kW);
• an optical assembly fitting within the wellbore, where the optical assembly comprises:
• a reflector to change a direction of the laser beam:
• and
• one or more lenses to shape the laser beam prior to output;
• a housing holding the optical assembly, the housing comprising a purging nozzle and a purging knife that are configured to cool the optical assembly and to clear a path for the laser beam to a target;
• and
• a control system to control movement of at least part of the laser tool to cause the laser beam to move within the wellbore,
• where the optical assembly receives the laser beam from within the wellbore, and outputs the laser beam towards the target,
• where the purging knife is inclined at an angle relative to the laser beam, the purging knife being configured to output a purging media in a direction of the laser beam,
• where the purging media comprises a liquid, and
• where the purging media is output when the pressure within the wellbore has been reduced to 25,000 kilopascals or lower.