Future development of high-power solid-state laser systems

Abstract

The future trends in the development and design of high-power pulsed solid-state laser systems are considered in relation to the laser fusion problem. Attention is concentrated on neodymium-doped glass lasers, but the possibility of using other media, particularly ion-doped crystals, is also discussed. New methods for pumping such systems (both existing and future) are reviewed. Ways and means of tuning the emission wavelengths, methods for increasing the average power, and characteristic features of the design of systems as a whole are also discussed.