Self-recovering laser safety system with automatic diagnostic system

A diagnostic system for a high power laser system, which detects and responds to malfunctions in interlocks of the laser safety system. A fault detected in any interlock circuit mandates a limitation in the operating conditions of the laser, or even a shutdown. In order to distinguish between transient faults, arising typically from ambient conditions, and more permanent faults, arising from faulty components or circuits, and which require external intervention to rectify, the system uses a database of possible fault classifications to determine the likely type of fault. If the fault is likely transient, the laser is maintained in a reduced power state, until one or more temporary interlocks are applied as backup for the failed interlocks, so that the system can be repeatedly tested for fault correction at full power output. Once the fault recovers, the backup interlocks may be disabled and the system returned to full operation.