Broadband, few-cycle mid-infrared continuum based on the intra-pulse difference frequency generation with BGSe crystals
Jinwei Zhang, Qing Wang, Jingjie Hao, Heyan Liu, Jiyong Yao, Zhuang Li, Jie Liu, Ka Fai Mak
Abstract
We demonstrate for the first time the generation of octave-spanning mid-infrared using a BGSe nonlinear crystal. A Cr:ZnS laser system delivering 28-fs pulses at a central wavelength of 2.4 µm is used as the pump source, which drives the intra-pulse difference frequency generation inside the BGSe crystal. As a result, a coherent broadband mid-infrared continuum spanning from 6 to 18 µm has been obtained. It shows that the BGSe crystal is a promising material for broadband, few-cycle mid-infrared generation via frequency down conversion with femtosecond pump sources.
Topics & Concepts
OpticsBroadbandLaserMaterials scienceFemtosecondInfraredCrystal (programming language)Sum-frequency generationNonlinear opticsWavelengthOptoelectronicsOctave (electronics)High harmonic generationPhysicsComputer scienceProgramming languageLaser-Matter Interactions and ApplicationsAdvanced Fiber Laser TechnologiesPhotonic Crystal and Fiber Optics