Approaches to generation of tunable mid-IR ultrafast pulses with fiber sources
Abstract
Mid- infrared ultrafast pulses are of interest in different applications ranging from vibrational spectroscopy, strong field physics (stable CEP) to detection of trace quantities of compounds. The traditional approach uses solid state lasers, i.e. mature but sensitive technology that is restricted to laboratory use due to its complexity. In real-world applications, ultrashort fiber lasers offer a more rugged, portable and scalable platform for the generation of tunable, brilliant mid-IR femtosecond pulses. This paper will cover approaches for the generation of high-intensity femtosecond pulses in the mid-IR region by means of DFG. The DFG technique also opens up new avenues for frequency comb applications and tunable absolute optical frequency sources. It can be used to set up intrinsically phase stable amplified laser systems as well. The power scalability of lasers with doped Thulium fibers made it possible to generate supercontinua in the mid-IR. Our mid-IR sources along with the availability of high power fiber optics, double clad doped gain fibers and LMA fibers for the 2μm and 1μm region enables "all fiber" compact and robust sources that can be man-portable.
- Publication:
-
Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VII
- Pub Date:
- May 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.2179476
- Bibcode:
- 2015SPIE.9467E..2IS