Abstract
This article presents a brief overview on recent trends in giant pulse lasers for laser plasma ignition for
engines and combustors. Giant pulses available from diode-pumped passively Q-switched Nd:YAG
lasers having pulse energy exceeding several millijoules with pulse duration in a range from subnanosecond
to several nanoseconds have become promising drivers to generate sufficient amount of
plasma using nonresonant breakdown for initiation of fuel ignition. VCSELs (Vertical-cavity surfaceemitting
diodes) are emerging as key pump sources for giant-pulse solid-state lasers for ignition.
