high energy laser system using a regenerative amplifier , which relaxes all constraints on laser components other than the intrinsic damage level of matter , so as to enable use of available laser system components . this can be accomplished by use of segmented components , spatial filters , at least one amplifier using solid state or gaseous media , and separated reflector members providing a long round trip time through the regenerative cavity , thereby allowing slower switching and adequate time to clear the spatial filters , etc . the laser system simplifies component requirements and reduces component cost while providing high energy output .