2D materials for laser applications

This chapter introduces the two-dimensional (2D) materials for pulsed laser applications by Q-switching and mode-locking technology. It focuses on two members from the 2D materials family, i.e., transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and black phosphorus (BP), highlighting their excellent saturable absorption property and promising advantages as versatile optical switchers in both fiber and solid-state lasers. The various integration strategies of 2D saturable absorbers (SAs) into lasers are summarized. The wideband operation of TMDs and BP as SAs is verified by their demonstrations in pulsed lasers with operating wavelength ranging from visible region to mid-infrared region. The representative performance on some specifications of pulsed lasers are highlighted. Finally, conclusions are made and future directions for research are suggested.