DPSS

DPSS stands for diode-pumped solid-state laser, a class of lasers in which a diode laser array optically pumps a solid-state gain medium, typically a neodymium-doped crystal such as Nd:YAG, Nd:YVO4, Nd:YLF, or Yb:YAG. The diode pump source provides electrical-to-optical efficiency and enables compact, robust designs with good beam quality.

The active media commonly used in DPSS systems are Nd-doped crystals that emit near-infrared light, with fundamental emission around 1064 nm (Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4) and other lines possible depending on the material. To obtain visible light, the infrared emission is converted through nonlinear optical processes in crystals such as KTP, LBO, or BBO. Second-harmonic generation typically yields green light at 532 nm from 1064 nm, while higher-order conversions can produce blue or UV light.

DPSS lasers come in continuous-wave and pulsed forms, and many are designed for high efficiency and good beam quality. Pulsed variants often use Q-switching or mode-locking to generate short, high-peak-power pulses.

Applications are widespread and include laser pointers, barcode scanners, projection displays, micromachining, medical and dental instruments, and various scientific and industrial tools. The technology is valued for its compactness, stability, and efficiency, though it can be sensitive to thermal effects and alignment, and high-power variants require careful safety considerations due to potential eye and skin hazards.