The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for drilling a hole(s) in a subsurface formation utilizing laser energy that is controlled by an optical manipulation system. Various embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods use a laser with a laser source (generator) located on the surface with the power conveyed via fiber optic cables down the wellbore to a downhole target via a laser tool. The optical manipulation system provides the flexibility to control and manipulate the beams, resulting in an optimized optical design with fewer optical components and less mechanical motion. Different beam shapes can be achieved by the different optical lenses and designs disclosed in this specification. Additionally, a purging system is disclosed that is configured to clear a path of the laser beam, assist in manipulating the tool, or both. The rotating and purging features contribute to creating a clean hole with no melt.