Need help settling a discussion over destructive power of a laser

[Cyparagon]

A q-switched yag isn't an option, the short pulse will only vaporize the surface.

Tell that to the guys that punch through razor blades and spoons.

 

[HIMNL9]

Multiple-folded-cavity CO2 units, if you want a lot of power in a discretely small space, with the ability to burn and melt.

A nightmare and half in matter of alignment, but the results can worth the efforts

 

[piferal]

I think this is what you need