레이저 발진용 투명세라믹의 발전사 및 국내/외 연구 동향

Abstract

The most valuable application of transparent ceramics is the laser crystal for the solid-state laser. Especially, since a large-area laser crystal cannot be realized by the single crystal due to the inhomogeneous segregation of laser generating element, the transparent ceramics is considered as the most appropriate material for the high intensity solid-state laser system. In order to generate the laser from the transparent ceramics effectively, it is necessary to remove every single pore for the nearly theoretical in-line transmittance as well as to make the ceramics highly durable against the thermal shock induced by heat generation. In this article, while briefly looking back on the global development history of solid-state lasers, we would like to discuss the recent trend of research on transparent ceramics for the solid-state laser in Korea and the direction of future technology development.