Fiber sources of femtosecond pulses in the mid-infrared (Conference Presentation)

Abstract

There is currently broad interest in sources of ultrashort pulses at mid-infrared (3-5 micron) and even long-wave infrared wavelengths. Fiber-based sources of ultrashort pulses potentially offer some performance advantages along with major practical advantages, but also face major challenges. The development of optical fibers that transmit in the mid- and long-wave-infrared enables the design of short-pulse sources at these wavelengths. This talk will focus on sources of coherent femtosecond pulses. The first fiber lasers that directly emit ultrashort pulses around 3 micron wavelength will be reviewed, along with an approach to tunable femtosecond pulses in the 3-6 micron region based on Raman frequency shifting. Thoughts on how to extend the performance to higher energies, broader wavelength coverage, and greater integration will be offered.