Dual pulse-width medical laser

A method of imparting disruptive forces to a target, the method comprising:

• providing a first pulse output and a second pulse output capable of outputting a pulse with a greater duration than a pulse outputted by the first pulse output;
• placing fluid into a zone above the target;
• and
• directing energy corresponding to one or more of the first pulse output and the second pulse output into the zone, whereby high-intensity leading micropulses of energy from the one or more of the first pulse output and the second pulse output are imparted to at least part of the fluid in the zone causing the fluid to expand, and whereby disruptive cutting or ablating forces are imparted to the target.

An apparatus having an emitting end, the apparatus comprising:

• a power supply;
• a pumping source;
• a pulse-forming network capable of driving the pumping source with an output pulse having a first duration and driving the pumping source with an output pulse having a second, greater duration;
• a fluid output oriented and configured to place fluid into a volume in proximity to the emitting end;
• and
• an excitation source, which is configured to direct electromagnetic energy into the volume in proximity to the emitting end, wherein the excitation source outputs the electromagnetic energy in a form of at least one output pulse, having a plurality of high-intensity leading micropulses, that imparts relatively large amounts of energy into at least part of the fluid in the volume, the relatively large amounts of energy imparted into the fluid being sufficient to cause the fluid to expand whereby placement of the volume adjacent to or over a target during use facilitates impartation of cutting or ablating forces to the target.