It took the combined efforts of scientists from two separate branches of laser research and the discovery of a new material. (scientificamerican.com)
This work was recently published in Nature Physics, and is a next step in LLNL's 50 - year history of leadership in laser research and development. (llnl.gov)
For example, they could avoid problems with salty, misty air that can interfere with the infrared lasers often used in military laser research. (discovermagazine.com)