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Femtosecond parametric generation in ZnGeP(2)
Optics Letters
|December 12, 2007
Summary
We achieved mid-infrared optical parametric generation using short ZnGeP(2) crystals and femtosecond pulses. This method broadens the tunable mid-infrared range for nonlinear optics applications.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Quantum Optics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical parametric generation (OPG) is crucial for generating tunable laser light.
- Mid-infrared (mid-IR) light sources are essential for spectroscopy and sensing.
- ZnGeP(2) crystals offer potential for mid-IR generation but face challenges with anomalous absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate traveling-wave optical parametric generation in short ZnGeP(2) crystals.
- To extend the tunable range of mid-IR sources.
- To investigate the performance of ZnGeP(2) with femtosecond pump pulses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized femtosecond pump pulses near 2 µm.
- Employed short (2-mm) ZnGeP(2) samples with reduced anomalous absorption.
- Characterized the generated signal and idler waves using spectral and temporal measurements.
Main Results:
- Achieved tunable signal and idler waves from 2.5 to 10 µm.
- Extended the mid-IR tunability beyond that of beta-barium borate OPG systems.
- Observed a single-pass internal conversion efficiency of 2.5%.
- Estimated pulse durations of 75 fs (signal) and 200 fs (idler).
Conclusions:
- Short ZnGeP(2) crystals are effective for mid-IR traveling-wave OPG.
- This technique significantly enhances mid-IR generation capabilities.
- The reduced anomalous absorption in ZnGeP(2) is key to achieving efficient OPG.
