Domain-controlled laser ceramics toward Giant Micro-photonics [Invited]

Transparent laser ceramics have been demonstrated to offer tremendous processing and design advantages in the diode-pumped solid-state laser field. Successfully developed composite Nd:YAG/Cr:YAG ceramics realized a multi-megawatt three-beam output microchip laser for efficient engine ignition. After a progress review for Giant Micro-photonics, including their wavelength extension with micro-domain controlling, we’d like to discuss the next generation of high-brightness lasers based on anisotropic ceramics. The capability of transparent anisotropic ceramics, by using a new crystal orientation process based on large magnetic anisotropy induced by 4f electrons, offers extremely high-power laser materials such as RE:FAP and patterning process for multi-function integrated monolithic solid-state lasers.