Widely tunable frequency conversion in monolithic semiconductor waveguides at 2.4 µm.

We report on the generation of continuous-wave widely tunable light between 2360 and 2530 nm using difference-frequency generation with a pump tuned between 938 and 952 nm and a signal tuned between 1490 and 1590 nm in a type-II phase-matched monolithic semiconductor waveguide. The device internal conversion efficiency is estimated to be 0.29% W(-1) cm(-2). This design which uses a single-sided Bragg reflection waveguide has the potential for on-chip spectroscopy, as well as environmental monitoring applications, where a tunable source of coherent radiation tuned between 2 and 3 µm wavelength is desired.