Nonlinear optics and solid-state lasers: 2000

Progress in solid-state laser sources and the nonlinear frequency conversion of lasers has been impressive over the first forty years of their development. The paper reviews the progress with an emphasis on the interactions of the scientists and engineers involved in the work and the motivation for the research. This account, is highly personal and necessarily incomplete. The references cited point to the key results and to reviews of progress in nonlinear optics and solid-state laser sources and should assist those seeking to learn about the field as it developed.