Abstract
Near-single-cycle mid-infrared pulses with a spectrum covering 5.4-11μm are efficiently frequency-doubled in different GaSe crystals. The second-harmonic spectrum spans 3-4.3μm at a power conversion efficiency of >20%. We measure an effective nonlinear coefficient of deff≈35 pm/V. We also report on self-phase modulation and spectral broadening of the mid-infrared pulses in various bulk materials and find an increase of 45% of spectral width for 5mm of Ge. These results demonstrate that nonlinear optical conversions can efficiently be driven by few-cycle mid-infrared radiation.
Highlights
The outstanding coherence of laser radiation affords an exceptional control over the electric field of light at the level of the optical cycles
Mid-infrared laser sources often do not operate at appropriate central wavelengths or enough coherent spectral width for such experiments
In this Letter, we report efficient second-harmonic generation (SHG) and self-phase modulation (SPM) of few-cycle pulses in the long-wave mid-infrared region of the optical spectrum around 5–11 μm
Summary
The outstanding coherence of laser radiation affords an exceptional control over the electric field of light at the level of the optical cycles. In this Letter, we report efficient second-harmonic generation (SHG) and self-phase modulation (SPM) of few-cycle pulses in the long-wave mid-infrared region of the optical spectrum around 5–11 μm.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
