This new resource provides an insight into the physical principles of the device technology that underpins many laser-based military systems in one form or another. From this knowledge a deeper understanding of the fundamental requirements and the potential performance, as well as limitations of such systems may be assessed, given the appropriate operational parameters. Engineers and students are provided with practical advice on how to evaluate laser devices and systems, operate them safely, and train with them.

This report examines the development of the diode laser industry over a six-year period, 2000 to 2005, incorporating analysis of trends in markets, technologies and industry structure. It is designed to provide key information to users and manufacturers of substrates, epitaxial wafers (epiwafers) and devices. The coverage includes components, laser diodes, and the semiconducting (SC) wafers and epiwafers on which most of these devices are made. The geographical coverage of the report includes North America, Japan and Europe, which together will account for over 90% of the production and consumption of diode laser materials and devices over the next five years. However, many other countries have activities in this field including South-East Asia (Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia etc), China, India, Australia and Eastern Europe (Russia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic) amongst others. Activities in these countries are commented on in the text where relevant, but are not quantified in the market data. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the market study. Chapter 2 contains an executive summary. Chapter 3 overviews materials markets. The size, quality, and particularly the price, of substrates and wafers are key factors in determining the ability of companies to produce competitive laser products. Chapter 3 also examines trends in materials technologies for laser diodes, the impact of the device markets on wafer demand, and the main suppliers. This chapter introduces the semiconductor materials that are presently or will likely become important to the fabrication of diode laser devices. The principal distinguishing properties of these materials are explained with reference to their application. Chapter 4 chapter examines the basic application sectors for laser diode devices as well as the basic commercial opportunities, changes and forces acting within each sector. The chapter also examines the market for the basic types of device as well as the promising newer types. For each type of device, market data and forecasts are provided and future prospects described. The application data are presented for the following industrial groups: • Automotive • Computers • Consumer • Industrial • Military and Aerospace • Telecommunications • Others A full 5-year forecast and analysis is provided by application and region. Chapter 5 is a technology overview. In this chapter a background and overview of developments in the principal technological R&D and production processes for devices is provided. The main focus is on the most important enabling technology for the production of the present and future generations of laser diodes and related devices. This process is crystal growth and involves the following sequence: • Bulk growth of single crystals • Epitaxial growth of semiconductor single crystal layers • Ion implantation • Device fabrication, ie gate and contact formation, etc • Packaging & test Chapter 6 profiles substrate suppliers, epiwafers suppliers and merchant and captive producers of GaAs devices. Chapter 7 lists universities and selected industrial labs involved in the areas of diode laser research. Chapter 8 is a directory of suppliers. Chapter 9 provides acronyms and exchange rates.

Optics and photonics technologies are ubiquitous: they are responsible for the displays on smart phones and computing devices, optical fiber that carries the information in the internet, advanced precision manufacturing, enhanced defense capabilities, and a plethora of medical diagnostics tools. The opportunities arising from optics and photonics offer the potential for even greater societal impact in the next few decades, including solar power generation and new efficient lighting that could transform the nation's energy landscape and new optical capabilities that will be essential to support the continued exponential growth of the Internet. As described in the National Research Council report Optics and Photonics: Essential Technologies for our Nation, it is critical for the United States to take advantage of these emerging optical technologies for creating new industries and generating job growth. The report assesses the current state of optical science and engineering in the United States and abroad-including market trends, workforce needs, and the impact of photonics on the national economy. It identifies the technological opportunities that have arisen from recent advances in, and applications of, optical science and engineering. The report also calls for improved management of U.S. public and private research and development resources, emphasizing the need for public policy that encourages adoption of a portfolio approach to investing in the wide and diverse opportunities now available within photonics. Optics and Photonics: Essential Technologies for our Nation is a useful overview not only for policymakers, such as decision-makers at relevant Federal agencies on the current state of optics and photonics research and applications but also for individuals seeking a broad understanding of the fields of optics and photonics in many arenas.

Since the initial laser beam in 1960, use of lasers has mushroomed, opening new frontiers in medicine, manufacturing, communications, defense, and information storage and retrieval. Lasers: Invention to Application brings together a series of chapters by eminent scientists spanning the broad range of today's laser technology.

A number of experiments carried out in the last two decades, have led to the development of lasers as the next generation weapon system. A number of defense companies are carrying out research in this field and have achieved varying degrees of progress in constructing a high energy weapon. Laser technology has observed great scientific developments and engineering improvements that make it usable for various commercial, industrial, medical and scientific applications. There is variety of lasers available in the market today with different wavelengths, spectral bandwidth, power levels, operating efficiencies and temporal characteristics. This increasing maturity of lasers and compact optical systems has enhanced their capabilities for military operations. Military officials have indubitably always been interested in laser technology, even before the first laser was invented. Especially, since these devices can bring technological revolution in warfare, when used as range- finders, target designation, sensors, active illumination, data relay devices, directed energy weapons, weather modifier and much more.This book will be of valuable to students and practicing engineers providing with practical study of laser applications, used by the military, to carry out tactical operations on the ground or space-based platforms.