Optically pumped semiconductor lasers

Optically pumped semiconductor disk lasers (OPSL) represent an important emerging technology area offering wavelength versatile, high brightness, high power single mode TEM₀₀ beams, ideal for imaging or coupling into fiber amplifiers. They can provide multi-watt extremely low noise sub-megahertz line width stable outputs or multi-gigahertz repetition rate mode-locked femtosecond pulses with peak powers exceeding multiple kilowatts. Their applications potential is further extended via intra-cavity second and fourth harmonic generation extending source wavelengths into the UV and intra-cavity difference frequency generation yielding widely tunable terahertz and mid-infrared (IR) sources. This article provides a brief overview of key applications and demonstrations of this versatile laser source and the unique microscopic physics principles that are facilitating rapid new developments.