The history, development, and future prospects for laser ceramics: A review

Laser ceramics have along developing history since the first demonstration of lasing in the Dy2+:CaF2 ceramic. Great improvements in fabrication process and novel ideas have led to remarkable achievements. For example, 105 kW output power was realized from a Nd:YAG ceramic laser system in 2009. Compared with conventional glass and single-crystal laser technologies, the advanced ceramic laser is anticipated to be a highly attractive alternative in the future. Here we review the developing history of laser ceramics, the fabrication and characteristics of this new, refined polycrystalline ceramic material, and the potential future outlook for the field. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.