Semiconductor disk lasers for the generation of visible and ultraviolet radiation

Recent developments in semiconductor disk lasers (SDLs) generating visible or ultraviolet light are reviewed. After an introduction on potential applications, we discuss how the combination of vertical-emitting semiconductor GaAs-based structures and intra-cavity nonlinear conversion techniques can be successfully exploited to uniquely meet demands for continuous-wave radiation in the visible and ultraviolet spectral range. To do so, an overview of the device operating princi- ples and performance is presented highlighting the underlying material considerations, semiconductor structural designs, thermal management techniques and suitable cavity configurations. This summary is completed by a presentation of new developments in the field, with a particular focus on the trends towards miniaturization.