ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the restriction to bulk solid-state rare earth lasers operating within the eyesafe wavelength band. The primary focus is on laser transitions that can be pumped by laser diodes. Pulse energy, pulse duration, aperture size, and wavelength are the key factors that determine laser eyesafety. Of these factors, wavelength is typically the only one that can be modified without degrading performance. As a result, lasers with emission within the eyesafe wavelength band are commonly referred to as “eyesafe lasers,” although lasers at any wavelength with restricted performance can be eyesafe. Lasers operating within the eyesafe wavelength band are becoming increasingly important for applications for which the laser output beam is not contained. With the continued development of high-power laser diode pump devices, a range of opportunities exists for the further development of eyesafe rare earth solid-state lasers with improved performance.
