1st International Laser M2P Conference
J. Phys. Colloques 48 (1987) C7-3-C7-11
DOI: 10.1051/jphyscol:1987701
LASER SOURCES TODAY AND TOMORROW
M.J. WEBERLawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California, Livermore, CA 94550, U.S.A.
Abstract
Properties of current gas, liquid and solid-state laser sources are surveyed briefly, including the prospects for their further development. Of particular interest are recent advances in semiconductor diode and tunable solid-state lasers and the expanding experimental activities in x-ray lasers and free electron lasers. Improved electron beams and periodic magnetic structures (wigglers, undulators) are technologies that free electron lasers share with advanced synchroton radiation sources. The tunable, high-brightness, partially coherent radiation from the latter will also be useful for many applications.