Understanding the Basics
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s get our bearings straight. Both solid state and fiber lasers fall under the umbrella of solid-state laser technology, but they have some key differences that set them apart.
Solid State Lasers: The OG of Laser Tech
Solid state lasers have been around since the dawn of laser technology. They use a solid medium, typically a crystal or glass, doped with rare-earth elements to generate the laser beam. The most common type you’ll encounter is the Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser.
Fiber Lasers: The New Kid on the Block
Fiber lasers, on the other hand, are a more recent innovation. They use a fiber optic cable as the gain medium, with the core doped with rare-earth elements like ytterbium. This design gives them some unique advantages that have made them increasingly popular in recent years.