Difference frequency generation of 8-microm radiation in orientation- patterned GaAs

First-order quasi-phase-matched difference frequency generation of narrowband tunable mid-infrared light is demonstrated in orientation-patterned GaAs. The all-epitaxial orientation-patterned crystal is fabricated by a combination of molecular beam epitaxy and hydride vapor phase epitaxy. Lasers at 1.3 and 1.55 microm were mixed to give an idler output at 8 microm, with power and wavelength tuning consistent with theoretical estimates, indicating excellent material uniformity over the 19-mm-long and 500-microm-thick device.