Mid-IR fiber optic light source around 6 µm through parametric wavelength translation

Abstract

We report a numerically designed highly nonlinear all-glass chalcogenide microstructured optical fiber (MOF) for the efficient generation of light around 6 µm through degenerate four-wave mixing by considering a continuous wave CO laser of 5–10 W power emitting at 5.6 µm as the pump. By tuning the pump wavelength, pump power, fiber dispersion and nonlinear properties, a narrow (N)- and/or broad (B)- band mid-IR all-fiber light source could be realized. Parametric amplification of more than 20 dB is achievable for the N-band source at 6.46 µm with a maximum power conversion efficiency (Cm) ~ 33%, while a amplification ~22 ± 2 dB is achievable for a B-band source over the wavelength range of 5–6.3 µm with a Cm > 40%.