Tunable alexandrite lasers - Development and performance

Some major recent developments in alexandrite laser research are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on key material characteristics, and their relationship to laser performance. Performance achievements are reviewed for a variety of pulsed and CW laser configurations including single-mode, multimode, and mode-locked resonators, high-power amplifiers, and zig-zag slabs. In these configurations, operating performance levels have been demonstrated that are comparable to those of older, more familiar solid-state laser technologies. Alexandrite's broad tunability offers additional advantages. Together with nonlinear frequency conversion process, alexandrite lasers provide high-brightness output over most of the UV, visible, and near IR.