Laser-based Mid-infrared Sources and Applications

An important guide to the major techniques for generating coherent light in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum

Laser-based Mid-infrared Sources and Applications gives a comprehensive overview of the existing methods for generating coherent light in the important yet difficult-to-reach mid-infrared region of the spectrum (2-20 mum) and their applications.

The book describes major approaches for mid-infrared light generation including ion-doped solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, and laser sources based on nonlinear optical frequency conversion, and reviews a range of applications: spectral recognition of molecules and trace gas sensing, biomedical and military applications, high-field physics and attoscience, and others. Every chapter starts with the fundamentals for a given technique that enables self-directed study, while extensive references help conduct deeper research.

Laser-based Mid-infrared Sources and Applications provides up-to-date information on the state-of the art mid-infrared sources, discusses in detail the advancements made over the last two decades such as microresonators and interband cascade lasers, and explores novel approaches that are currently subjects of intense research such as supercontinuum and frequency combs generation. This important book:

• Explains the fundamental principles and major techniques for coherent mid-infrared light generation

• Discusses recent advancements and current cutting-edge research in the field

• Highlights important biomedical, environmental, and military applications

Written for researchers, academics, students, and engineers from different disciplines, the book helps navigate the rapidly expanding field of mid-infrared laser-based technologies.

Autorentext

Konstantin L. Vodopyanov, is the 21st Century Scholar Endowed Chair and Professor of Optics and Physics at CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida. He is a world expert in mid-IR lasers, laser-matter interactions, nonlinear optics, and laser spectroscopy.

Inhalt
About the Author xi

Preface xiii

1 MidIR Spectral Range 1

1.1 Definition of the MidIR 1

1.2 The World's Second Laser 3

1.3 Internal Vibrations of Molecules 4

References 5

2 Solid-state Crystalline MidIR Lasers 7

2.1 Rare-Earth-based Tm3+, Ho3+, and Er3+ Lasers 7

2.1.1 Tm3+ Lasers 7

2.1.2 Ho3+ Lasers 10

2.1.3 Er3+ Lasers 13

2.2 Transition Metal Cr2+ and Fe2+ Lasers 18

2.2.1 Spectroscopic Properties of Cr2+ and Fe2+ 18

2.2.2 Lasers Based on Chalcogenide Crystals Doped with Cr2+ 21

2.2.2.1 Broadly Tunable Cr2+ Lasers 21

2.2.2.2 High-power Continuous-wave Cr2+ Lasers 23

2.2.2.3 High-power Cr2+ CW Laser Systems Operating at 2.94 m 23

2.2.2.4 Gain-switched High-power Cr2+ Lasers 24

2.2.2.5 Microchip Cr2+ Lasers 25

2.2.2.6 Waveguide and Thin-disk Cr:ZnSe Lasers 26

2.2.2.7 Mode-locked Cr:ZnS/Cr:ZnSe Lasers 27

2.2.3 Lasers Based on Chalcogenide Crystals Doped with Fe2+ 30

2.2.3.1 Free-running Pulsed Fe:ZnSe/ZnS Lasers 30

2.2.3.2 Gain-switched Regime of Fe2+ Lasers at Room Temperature 32

2.2.3.3 Continuous-wave Fe2+ Lasers 33

2.2.3.4 Tunable Fe2+ Lasers at Room Temperature 35

2.2.3.5 Ultrafast Amplifier in the 3.84.8 m Range 35

2.3 Summary 35

References 36

3 Fiber MidIR Lasers 43

3.1 Introduction 43

3.2 Continuous-wave MidIR Fiber Lasers 44

3.2.1 Tm-based Fiber Lasers 44

3.2.2 Ho-based Fiber Lasers 47

3.2.3 Er-based Fiber Lasers 49

3.2.4 Dy-based Fiber Lasers 52

3.2.5 Raman Fiber Lasers 52

3.3 Q-switched MidIR Fiber Lasers 54

3.4 Mode-locked MidIR Fiber Lasers 56

3.5 Summary 60

References 61

4 Semiconductor Lasers 65

4.1 Heterojunction MidIR Lasers 65

4.1.1 GaSb-based Diode Lasers 66

4.1.2 Distributed Feedback GaSb-based Lasers 70

4.2 Quantum Cascade Lasers 73

4.2.1 High Power and High Efficiency QCLs 76

4.2.2 Single-mode Distributed Feedback (DFB) QCLs 79

4.2.3 Broadly Tunable QCLs with an External Cavity 82

4.2.4 Short-wavelength ((2) Nonlinear Crystals for MidIR 115

5.1.3.1 Periodically Poled Oxides 116

5.1.3.2 Birefringent Crystals 116

5.1.3.3 Emerging QPM Nonlinear Optical Materials 119

5.2 Continuous-wave (CW) Regime 121

5.2.1 DFG of CW Radiation 121

5.2.2 CW OPOs 123

5.3 Pulsed Regime 130

5.3.1 Pulsed DFG 130

5.3.2 Pulsed OPOs 133

5.3.2.1 Broadly Tunable Pulsed OPOs 133

5.3.2.2 Narrow-linewidth Pulsed OPOs 143 <p&...