Laser diode pumped solid state lasers

Abstract

Solid state lasers have undergone a renaissance since the development of reliable and cheap laser diodes which can be used as pump sources. The result is compact, efficient laser sources which are attractive for a wide range of applications. This review summarizes the properties of laser diodes which are advantageous for pumping solid state lasers and describes the diverse laser materials and configurations of solid state lasers reported in the literature.