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An intense, few-cycle source in the long-wave infrared.
Derrek J Wilson1,2, Adam M Summers1, Stefan Zigo1
1J. R. Macdonald Laboratory, Department of Physics, Kansas State University, 116 Cardwell Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
Scientific Reports
|April 14, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a new few-cycle laser source emitting gigawatt peak powers up to 9 µm. This breakthrough enables strong-field physics studies in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral region, previously inaccessible.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Laser Science
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Limited availability of long-wave infrared (LWIR) few-cycle laser sources has restricted studies in strong-field physics.
- Previous research focused on visible, near-infrared, and mid-wave infrared regimes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel few-cycle laser source in the LWIR region.
- To enable experimental investigations of strong-field phenomena at extreme long wavelengths.
Main Methods:
- Development of a 1 kHz repetition rate, few-cycle laser system.
- Achieved gigawatt peak powers with central wavelengths up to 9 µm.
- Demonstrated laser-induced ionization of atomic xenon targets.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of few-cycle laser pulses with central wavelengths from 5 µm to 9 µm.
- Attainment of gigawatt peak powers in the LWIR spectrum.
- Confirmed ionization of xenon gas using the developed LWIR laser source.
Conclusions:
- The new LWIR laser source opens avenues for fundamental atomic and molecular physics research.
- Enables experimental testing of strong-field ionization theories in the few-cycle, extreme long-wavelength limit.
- Facilitates direct excitation of vibrational transitions in organic molecules.
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