Ursula Keller's research team conceptualized, developed, and demonstrated the first SESAMs. This revolutionary invention provided a simple yet reliable approach to mode-locking lasers, leading to the generation of stable and ultrashort pulses.

Following the initial development, Keller's team focused on refining SESAM designs and optimizing their performance for various laser systems. This included exploring new materials, structures, and fabrication techniques to enhance pulse generation capabilities.

SESAMs quickly gained popularity and were widely adopted in various laser systems, including solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, and semiconductor lasers. Their ability to generate stable and ultrashort pulses made them essential components for numerous scientific, industrial, and medical applications.

SESAMs found applications in diverse fields, including optical communication, spectroscopy, microscopy, material processing, and medical imaging. Their compact size, robustness, and ease of use made them suitable for integration into various laser systems.