The history of semiconductor injection lasers is briefly outlined and the need for lasers integrated on Si chips is explained. Several approaches to overcome inadequate properties of silicon are followed; including (i) silicon nanocrystals and other lowdimensional structures (ii) Si Raman laser, (iii) rare-earth doped Si, and (iv) non-silicon-material lasers integrated to Si chips. Finally, the recent germanium laser is described., Jan Valenta., and Obsahuje bibliografii