Review on diode-pumped alkali vapor laser

Diode-pumped alkali vapor lasers (DPAL) are attracted much attention during recent years for its numerous potential applications. Development of DPAL is reviewed in this paper. The key techniques of DPAL are summarized and analyzed in detail, including the interactions between buffer gas and alkali vapor, pumping structure and power scaling magnification. Novel techniques used in DPAL are discussed, such as hydrocarbon-free DPAL and unstable cavity with transverse pumping. Blue-violet lasers by frequency doubling of DPAL are also introduced specifically. In addition, potential applications and the prospects of DPAL are concluded briefly.