Compact coherent high brightness light source for the mid-IR and far IR

摘要

Compact laser systems are disclosed which include ultrafast laser sources in combination with nonlinear crystals or waveguides. In some implementations fiber based mid-IR sources producing very short pulses and/or mid-IR sources based on a mode locked fiber lasers are utilized. A difference frequency generator receives outputs from the ultrafast sources, and generates an output including a difference frequency. The output power from the difference frequency generator can further be enhanced via the implementation of large core dispersion shifted fibers. Exemplary applications of the compact, high brightness mid-IR light sources include medical applications, spectroscopy, ranging, sensing and metrology.

主权项

1. An optical source producing an output at a wavelength>5000 nm, comprising:
a mode locked fiber laser producing a primary output within the wavelength range from 1700-2300 nm; a highly nonlinear waveguide receiving said primary output and shifting a least part of said primary output, thereby producing a secondary output shifted relative to said primary output; and a nonlinear crystal configured for frequency generation at a difference frequency between said primary and secondary outputs, and producing an output at a wavelength>5000 nm, said output having an average power>100 μW.