Laser Gain Media: A Diverse Family of Materials
Various gain media used in laser technologies differ greatly in essential properties such as wavelength ranges and tunability, pumping options, efficiency, and capability for energy storage and high powers.
Since the birth of the laser in 1960, a huge variety of gain media have been used: various dielectric crystalline and glass materials, semiconductors, dyes and gases. Although some are definitely more popular than others, a wide range of gain media is still in use, with some strongly...
Photonics Spectra, May 2013