Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a tunable laser with broadband coherent output spectrum within the mid-infrared (IR) range using a chirped quasi-phase-matched optical parametric amplifier/difference frequency generator (CQPM OPA/DFG)-based design.
Technical Details
This novel system involves a non-mechanical method of changing the relative timing of a pump pulse versus the seed pulse. The temporal variation varies the spatial/temporal overlap location of the spectrally narrow pump pulse over the spectrally broad seed spectrum taking place within the CQPM nonlinear medium. The overlap position regulates the phase-matched, seed pulse portion as the signal in the OPA or the seed for DFG.
Piezo-electric fiber stretchers are used to vary the relative pulse timing, thus enabling the output tuning from the OPA or DFG without using any moving parts. Fiber-coupled optical amplitude and/or phase modulators can also be included in either the pump or signal channels to provide control over the optical duty cycles as well as provide fine pulse control.
Benefit
Rapid, non-mechanical wavelength tuningProvides broad or ultra-broad laser output spectrumMonolithic integrationRobust packaging for demanding environments and applicationsMarket Application
Optical countermeasuresSpectroscopyHyperspectral imagingUltrashort pulse generation and amplificationMedical applicationsLIDAR/LADAR
Brochure
