The power of brilliance--the past and future of high-power semiconductor lasers.

The article discusses the past and future of high-power semiconductor lasers. An overview of the history of the first high-power semiconductor discovered by Robert Hall's team at General Electric Research Labs and the improvements in the brilliance of high-power semiconductor lasers is offered. It also cites the markets and applications of high-power semiconductor lasers including optical storage and initial niche applications, optical networking, and industrial applications like welding.