By contrast with solid and chemical laser,the laser diode pumped alkali laser (DPAL) has shown great predominance and potential because of its extremely high quantum efficiency,outstanding heat dissipation ability,high beam quality,no limit of single aperture power scaling and safe operation. The basic principle and recent research development of DPAL are introduced,the obstacles and solutions of high power scaling of DPAL are analysed,and the expectation of DPAL development is made.