Excitation of high-power copper hybrid lasers

Copper hybrid lasers are the most efficient high average power (⩾100 W) visible (green/yellow) lasers yet demonstrated. These high power systems have been developed at St. Andrews University. The author presents a review of a number of different studies into the excitation of these lasers. A high-power, high-efficiency visible copper hybrid laser has been developed. Its favourable features are largely the result of the superior pulsed-power excitation characteristics afforded by the rapid recovery of the laser active medium between pulses. In turn, this recovery is due to the unique nature of the chemistry of the hybrid laser. The use of an interacting circuit can further enhance the power and efficiency of this device