Mid-infrared frequency comb with 6.7 W average power based on difference frequency generation
Anthony Catanese, Jay Rutledge, Myles Silfies, Xinlong Li, Henry Timmers, Abijith S. Kowligy, Alex Lind, Scott A. Diddams, Thomas K. Allison
Abstract
We report on the development of a high-power mid-infrared frequency comb with 100 MHz repetition rate and 100 fs pulse duration. Difference frequency generation is realized between two branches derived from an Er:fiber comb, amplified separately in Yb:fiber and Er:fiber amplifiers. Average powers of 6.7 W and 14.9 W are generated in the 2.9 µm idler and 1.6 µm signal, respectively. With high average power, excellent beam quality, and passive carrier-envelope phase stabilization, this light source is a promising platform for generating broadband frequency combs in the far infrared, visible, and deep ultraviolet.