Diode arrays, crystals, and thermal management for solid-state lasers

We summarize our efforts in the development of solid-state lasers, including the laser diode arrays, pump light delivery, approaches to thermal management, and novel gain media, Our interests are in developing unique solid-state lasers, including those operating at higher powers, offering less common wavelengths, and having other specialized features, In this paper, we discuss high-power Tm:YAG and Yb:YAG lasers, the gas-cooled slab laser concept using Yb:B-FAP, and side-pumped Er:YAG and Cr:ZnSe lasers. We address the optical and thermal physics of these systems and also mention several additional gain media that have the potential of offering unique performance characteristics: Ce:LiSAF, APG-2 laser glass, Dy:LaCl3, and Yb:BCBF.