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Published on: May 30, 2014
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11.4 W long-wave infrared source based on ZnGeP2 optical parametric amplifier.
Optics Express
|November 25, 2018
Summary
This study demonstrates a high-power long-wave infrared ZnGeP2 (ZGP) optical parametric amplifier (OPA). The ZGP OPA achieved 11.4 W output power at 8.3 μm, showcasing efficient infrared generation.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
- Nonlinear Optics
Background:
- High-power sources for long-wave infrared (LWIR) generation are crucial for various applications.
- Zinc Germanium Phosphide (ZnGeP2 or ZGP) crystals are promising nonlinear materials for infrared applications.
- Optical Parametric Amplifiers (OPAs) offer tunable wavelength generation in the infrared spectrum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a high-power LWIR ZGP OPA system.
- To investigate the performance of a ZGP OPA pumped by a Ho:YAG laser.
- To characterize the output power, efficiency, and beam quality of the generated LWIR radiation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 2097-nm Q-switched Ho:YAG laser as the pump source.
- Employed a ZnGeP2 (ZGP) crystal as the nonlinear medium in an optical parametric amplifier (OPA) configuration.
- Operated the system at a pulse repetition frequency of 20 kHz.
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum average output power of 11.4 W at 8.3 μm.
- Obtained an optical conversion efficiency of approximately 9.8% from the Ho pump to LWIR output.
- Delivered LWIR laser pulses with a duration of 30.4 ns and a beam quality factor (M2) of 2.9.
Conclusions:
- The ZGP OPA system successfully generated high-power LWIR radiation.
- The demonstrated efficiency and output power highlight the potential of ZGP for LWIR generation.
- The system's performance indicates its suitability for applications requiring high-power, pulsed LWIR sources.
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