The document discusses solid-state lasers, which use a crystalline solid as the amplifying medium doped with ions that emit light through stimulated emission. Common solid materials used include ruby, titanium sapphire, and neodymium-doped crystals. The doped ions are chosen from rare-earth, transition metal, and actinide elements for their radiative properties. Solid-state lasers provide higher gain density and good thermal and optical qualities compared to other laser types.