High power laser tunneling mining and construction equipment and methods of use

A high power laser mechanical earth removing machine, the machine comprising:

• a. a source of high power laser energy, a source of a fluid, and an optics package;
• b. the optics package comprising a cooling means, and an optics assembly;
• c. the optics assembly configured to convey a laser beam from the source of high power laser energy to a tool that discharges the laser beam, the laser beam having a focal length, a spot size, a spot shape, and a waist having a focal point and a distal end and a proximal end defining a waist length therebetween;
• d. a means for mechanically removing laser effected earth;
• and,
• e. wherein the spot size of the waist of the laser beam is 2.0 cm2 or less, and the waist length is at least 4 ft.