High-gain mid-infrared optical-parametric generation pumped by microchip laser

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Optics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Laser Technology

Background:

• Mid-infrared (MIR) light generation is crucial for spectroscopy, sensing, and imaging.
• Efficient and compact MIR sources are highly sought after.
• Periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) and its variants are key materials for nonlinear optical frequency conversion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate high-gain mid-infrared optical-parametric generation.
• To achieve efficient wavelength conversion using periodically poled magnesium-oxide doped lithium niobate (PPMgLN).
• To explore broadband optical-parametric generation capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a simple single-pass configuration.
• Employed giant-pulse microchip laser as the pump source.
• Used periodically poled magnesium-oxide doped lithium niobate (PPMgLN) devices, including chirped gratings.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-gain mid-infrared optical-parametric generation.
• Demonstrated effective MIR wavelength conversion with 1 mJ output energy from 2.4 mJ pumping.
• Observed broadband optical-parametric generation spanning from 1.7 to 2.6 µm using chirped PPMgLN.

Conclusions:

• Simple single-pass configuration with PPMgLN is effective for high-gain MIR generation.
• PPMgLN offers efficient wavelength conversion and broadband generation capabilities.
• This technique provides a viable route for compact and powerful MIR sources.