Vertical External Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VECSELs) are a type of semiconductor laser that combines the advantages of high power and high beam quality typically found in edge-emitting lasers with the frequency control and compact design of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. VECSELs are used in a wide range of applications, including spectroscopy, imaging, and telecommunications. Research in this area focuses on improving the performance, efficiency, and wavelength range of VECSELs, as well as exploring new applications for this type of laser technology.