Wavelength-versatile visible and UV sources based on crystalline Raman lasers

By combining stimulated Raman scattering and sum-frequency generation within a single laser system, indeed often within a single resonator, it is possible to achieve frequency conversion over a wide range of output wavelengths, that are useful for a number of applications. This paper reviews the concepts, principles of operation and performance characteristics of visible and ultraviolet (UV) laser systems based on these two nonlinear processes. The systems we review include fixed-wavelength operation in the yellow–orange spectral region (pulsed and continuous wave—CW), discretely tunable pulsed sources operating across the green–red spectral region and discretely tunable UV sources spanning the entire UV-B region.