Microchip laser, ceramic laser toward Giant Micro-photonics

“Giant micro-photonics” based on micro-domain and boundary controlled photonic devices by electro-magnetic fields allow us the giant effects in the conventional solidstate photonic materials as new photonic medium such as laser ceramics. Especially, recent progress in it (polycrystalline ceramic laser media) has contributed to the much enhancement of the optical property and functionality in solid-state lasers. In this presentation, I'd like to discuss the Giant Micro-photonics from the point of view microchip and ceramic lasers history.