Semiconductor lasers pump but also compete against solid-state lasers. Another potential competitor, ultrafast technology, also looks for its industrial niche.
Mark Keirstead, Spectra-Physics Lasers
The market for industrial lasers has largely been dominated by high-power CO2 and lamp-pumped Nd:YAG lasers. These devices have provided cost-effective access to high-power infrared and visible laser emission for applications that include cutting, drilling, welding, heat treating and marking.
In the coming years, the laser marketplace will see significant gains for three relative newcomers in the industrial laser gallery: High-power semiconductor lasers, diode-pumped solid-state lasers and ultrafast lasers will all make inroads in industrial infrared and visible laser applications.