We report a simple and rapid method to prepare multifunctional free-standing single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films with variable thicknesses ranging from a submonolayer to a few micrometers having outstanding properties for a broad range of exceptionally performing devices. We have fabricated state-of-the-art key components from the same single component multifunctional SWCNT material for several high-impact application areas: high efficiency nanoparticle filters with a figure of merit of 147 Pa(-1), transparent and conductive electrodes with a sheet resistance of 84 Ω/◻ and a transmittance of 90%, electrochemical sensors with extremely low detection limits below 100 nM, and polymer-free saturable absorbers for ultrafast femtosecond lasers. Furthermore, the films are demonstrated as the main components in gas flowmeters, gas heaters, and transparent thermoacoustic loudspeakers.

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Mode-locked sub-picosecond operation of Yb-, Er- and Tm:Hodoped fiber lasers operating at 1.05 microm, 1.56 microm and 1.99 microm, respectively, is demonstrated using the same sample carbon nanotube-based saturable absorber mirror. A mesh of single-walled carbon nanotubes was deposited on an Ag-mirror using a one-step dry-transfer contact press method to combine broadband saturable absorption and high reflectance properties. The novel fabrication method of the polymer-free absorber and device parameters determined using nonlinear reflectivity measurement are described in detail. To our knowledge the observed operation bandwidth of approximately 1 microm is the broadest reported to date for a single carbon nanotube-based saturable absorber.

We report a novel type of active fiber - tapered double clad fiber suitable for pumping by low brightness sources with large beam parameter product of 50/300 mm x mrad. Ytterbium double clad all-silica fiber (core/1(st) clad/2(nd) clad diameters 27/834/890 mum, NA(core)=0.11, NA(clad)=0.21), tapered down by a factor 4.8 for a length of 10.5 m was drawn from a preform fabricated by plasma chemical technologies. At a moderate Yb-ion concentration and 1:31 core/cladding ratio, the tapered double clad fiber demonstrates 0.9 dB/m pump absorption at 976 nm and excellent lasing slope efficiency. An ytterbium fiber laser with 84 W of output power and 92% slope efficiency, a 74 W superfluorescent source with 85% slope efficiency and amplifiers operating both in CW and pulsed regimes have been realized. All devices demonstrated robust single mode operation with a beam quality factor of M(2)=1.07.

Recent developments in semiconductor disk lasers (SDLs) generating visible or ultraviolet light are reviewed. After an introduction on potential applications, we discuss how the combination of vertical-emitting semiconductor GaAs-based structures and intra-cavity nonlinear conversion techniques can be successfully exploited to uniquely meet demands for continuous-wave radiation in the visible and ultraviolet spectral range. To do so, an overview of the device operating principles and performance is presented highlighting the underlying material considerations, semiconductor structural designs, thermal management techniques and suitable cavity configurations. This summary is completed by a presentation of new developments in the field, with a particular focus on the trends towards miniaturization.Green-pumped direct-red-emitting Semiconductor Disk Laser.