Abstract
Shortly after the realization of the first optically-pumped (ruby) laser, electrically-pumped lasing in the semiconductor gallium arsenide (GaAs) was reported by Robert N. Hall and others in 1962 using a diode structure. Initially, the operation was restricted to pulsed mode at low temperatures. With the invention of the double heterostructure (Sect. 10.3), continuous wave lasing at room temperature was achieved in 1970. Today, semiconductor diode lasers are of great economic importance and fabricated in large quantities, as they find numerous applications. Among other applications, they are employed in consumer goods such as CD, DVD and Blu-ray players, as well as in personal computers, laptops and laser printers. Besides, diode laser technology has become essential in telecommunication systems over the last decades, especially with the growth of the internet. Increasing interest is also emerging towards direct-diode applications in material processing like soldering and welding which is driven by the progressing development of high-power diode lasers. Furthermore, novel technologies like 3D printing in industry, medicine and architecture as well as 3D sensing and automotive lighting are expected to further increase the demand for semiconductor lasers.
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Further Reading
B. Ismay (ed.), Semiconductor Laser Diode Technology and Applications (Scitus Academics LLC, 2016)
J. Jones (ed.), Semiconductor Laser Diodes Handbook (ML Books International, 2015)
T. Numai, Fundamentals of Semiconductor Lasers (Springer, 2015)
M. Yamada, Theory of Semiconductor Lasers (Springer, 2014)
R. Michalzik (ed.), VCSELs (Springer, 2013)
E. Bründermann, H.W. Hübers, M.F. Kimmitt, Terahertz Techniques (Springer, 2012)
F. Bachmann, P. Loosen, R. Poprawe (eds.), High Power Diode Lasers: Technology and Applications (Springer, 2010)
A. Krier, (ed.), Mid-infrared Semiconductor Optoelectronics (Springer, 2006)
S.M. Sze, K.N. Ng, Physics of Semiconductor Devices (Wiley-Interscience, 2006)
D. Mittleman (ed.), Sensing with Terahertz Radiation (Springer, 2003)
R. Diehl (ed.), High-Power Diode Lasers (Springer, 2000)
S. Nakamura, S. Pearton, G. Fasol, The Blue Laser Diode (Springer, 2000)
G.P. Agrawal, N.K. Dutta, Semiconductor Lasers (Springer, 1993)
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Eichler, H.J., Eichler, J., Lux, O. (2018). Semiconductor Lasers. In: Lasers. Springer Series in Optical Sciences, vol 220. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99895-4_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99895-4_10
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