title: Dielectric binary oxide films as waveguide laser media: a review.
abstract: Sapphire (α-Al(2)O(3)), amorphous and polycrystalline Al(2)O(3), tantalum pentoxide Ta(2)O(5) and the sesquioxides Y(2)O(3), Sc(2)O(3), and Lu(2)O(3) are excellent laser hosts due to their very good thermomechanical properties, broad transparency range and ease of doping with active ions. This article reviews recent research towards the realization of active optical films and the demonstration of gain and laser operation in the waveguides produced from these materials. Compound structures in which laser operation has been demonstrated are highlighted together with the applied fabrication techniques, and details of the laser performance are presented.
authors.affiliation: Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Grivas
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Eason