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Second-harmonic generation of a tunable continuous-wave CO2 laser in orientation-patterned GaAs
Leonel P Gonzalez1, Derek C Upchurch, Peter G Schunemann
1Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, USA. Leonel.Gonzalez@wpafb.af.mil
Optics Letters
|February 6, 2013
Summary
Continuous-wave CO2 laser frequency doubling in GaAs crystals generated tunable mid-infrared radiation. Active cooling enabled over 300 mW output power, crucial for spectroscopy and optical sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Mid-infrared (MIR) radiation is crucial for molecular spectroscopy and sensing.
- Efficient generation of tunable MIR light sources remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate efficient frequency doubling of a CO2 laser for tunable MIR generation.
- To investigate the impact of active cooling on thermal effects in nonlinear crystals.
Main Methods:
- Frequency doubling of a continuous-wave CO2 laser using orientation-patterned Gallium Arsenide (OP-GaAs).
- Implementation of active crystal cooling to mitigate pump-induced thermal lensing.
- Characterization of output power and tunability across the MIR spectrum.
Main Results:
- Tunable MIR radiation generated in the 4.63-4.78 μm wavelength range.
- Output powers exceeding 300 mW achieved with active crystal cooling.
- Suppression of thermal effects enabled stable, high-power operation.
Conclusions:
- OP-GaAs is an effective material for efficient CO2 laser frequency conversion.
- Active cooling is essential for high-power, continuous-wave MIR generation.
- This technique offers a robust source for MIR applications.
