3. Conclusion

The interesting and special properties of solid-state lasers lead to a wide range of applications in all fields:

• metrology and laboratory instrumentation. Developed at a very early stage, laser sources are special tools for research (particularly in the field of short-time physics);

• medicine. In addition to treatments in ophthalmology and dermatology, laser radiation coupled with an optical fiber can be used to destroy stones (lithotripsy), unblock arteries (angioplasty) and treat certain forms of cancer (photodynamic therapy);

• space conquest and defense. The properties of solid-state sources most appreciated in these fields are high efficiency, reliability, small size and frequency agility;

• industry. In machining, cutting, drilling and welding...