Diode Based Mid-IR Source Using Quasi-Phased Matched Nonlinear Materials

Spectra Diode Laboratories proposes to develop mid-IR sources based on nonlinear mixing of radiation from semiconductor laser diodes in quasi-phase-matched (QPM) nonlinear waveguides. Use of QPM waveguides for the mixing process enables one to achieve high optical power densities over long interaction lengths and allows phase-matched interactions in common nonlinear materiasl (e.g., LiNbO3) at the wavelengths at which semiconductor laser diodes provide the highest field intensities, i.e., 670-11nm. By using the recently developed SDL monolithic master oscillator power amplifer (M-MOPA) as a >1 W cw single-mode pump source, high optical conversion efficiencies may be achieved. Frequency mixing in a QPM waveguide with one or more M-MOPA diode laser sources will provide a compact, robust, stable, and efficient source of mid-IR radiation that can be based on either parametric amplification and/or parametric oscillation. Spectra Diode Laboratories is ideally suited to carry out the proposed research due to SDL's simultaneous experience with QPM waveguides and unparalleled development of high-power semiconductor laser sources.