Optically pumped mirror less lasing. A review. part I. random lasing

Abstract

Currently optically pumped mirror less lasing is represented by three distinct branches, which concern lasing in different types of the gain media: optically random and photonic media, and micro cavities. This article is a first part of our review on optically pumped mirror less lasing, with the random lasing in scattering media being a main subject. The other mirror less lasing mechanisms will be addressed in the second part. Considering light localization as a key function of the feedback, we discuss possible mechanisms for the light localization in the scattering media. Special attention is paid to the Anderson light localization. The other mechanisms of the light localization in the scattering media concern high Q-resonances in local micro resonators, which exist due to structural in homogeneities in the scattered media. Applications of the random lasers are shortly reviewed.