Abstract
By way of bandgap engineering, optically pumped semiconductor lasers (OPSLs) can be made to operate at tailored wavelengths, giving access to broad spectral regions, extending from visible (red) to infrared, fi lling wavelengths that were previously not accessible with solid-state laser materials. With the free space resonator confi guration, OPSLs feature good beam quality with its scalability in output power. Free space resonator also allows intracavity frequency doubling for effi cient harmonic generation, further extending the wavelength to the shorter end. Nonlinear frequency conversion gives complete coverage of visible region and extends into the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum. The potential of OPSLs is explored toward the high power devices, short pulse generation, as well as their application in spectroscopic applications.
