Abstract

The application of solid-state laser technology for very high-average-power operation is receiving renewed attention.¹ High-peak and average-power devices at (short) wavelengths inaccessible to chemical laser technology would be of interest for a variety of applications (λ < 1.1 μm). A large number of short-wavelength optically pumped solid-state lasers have been demonstrated, and their scalability is well understood. However, optically pumped solid-state laser efficiencies are low, and the weight and volume of electrical energy storage and power conversion devices are impractical for high energies and average powers.

© 1985 Optical Society of America