Unequally spaced multiple mid-infrared wavelength generation using an engineered quasi-phase-matching device.

We propose a novel quasi-phase-matched (QPM) device that can generate unequally spaced multiple wavelengths. Unequally spaced multiple QPM peaks can be obtained by employing the optimized phase modulation of a periodic domain structure. We fabricated a LiNbO3 waveguide device for 3.2-3.4 microm band difference frequency generation based on the design. Using the multiple mid-infrared outputs, we demonstrate the detection of multiple hydrocarbon gases, namely, methane, ethylene, and ethane.

Simultaneous observation of CO isotopomer absorption by broadband difference-frequency generation using a direct-bonded quasi-phase-matched LiNbO3 waveguide.

Rovibration absorption lines both of 12CO and 13CO are observed simultaneously with the output of a 2 microm broadband difference frequency generated in a direct-bonded quasi-phase-matched LiNbO3 waveguide, which is a 50 mm device with a single quasi-phase-matching period that is operated at a constant temperature. The wavelength conversion efficiency and the difference-frequency generation bandwidth reach 100%/W and 100 nm, respectively. The idler output bandwidth in the 2 microm region is obtained by group-velocity matching or phase-mismatch minimization when a 0.94 microm pump laser diode and a 1.55 microm tunable signal source are used.