Mid-Infrared Precision Frequency Combs

ABSTRACT: Q-Peak will develop a prototype of mid-IR optical frequency comb laser source for precision spectral measurements in the wavelength region of strong molecular absorption bands. Such measurements are critical in studies of atmospheric transmission and gas analysis in general. All the elements of the system proposed are based on technology that has undergone significant development at Q-Peak and continues to be advanced for applications in both Government and commercial systems. BENEFIT: The development of the mid-IR optical frequency comb laser source will address the emerging applications of optical frequency metrology for atmospheric studies. In addition, a femtosecond mid-IR laser as a stand alone device can be of great interest for a number of applications including biological and medical imaging, trace gas and environmental monitoring. There is an immediate scientific and potential industrial market for high-power, diode-pumped, tunable femtosecond lasers in mid-IR.