Enhanced 2D-image upconversion using solid-state lasers

Opt Express. 2009 Nov 9;17(23):20885-90. doi: 10.1364/OE.17.020885.

Abstract

Based on enhanced upconversion, we demonstrate a highly efficient method for converting a full image from one part of the electromagnetic spectrum into a new desired wavelength region. By illuminating a metal transmission mask with a 765 nm Gaussian beam to create an image and subsequently focusing the image inside a nonlinear PPKTP crystal located in the high intra-cavity field of a 1342 nm solid-state Nd:YVO(4) laser, an upconverted image at 488 nm is generated. We have experimentally achieved an upconversion efficiency of 40% under CW conditions. The proposed technique can be further adapted for high efficiency mid-infrared image upconversion where direct and fast detection is difficult or impossible to perform with existing detector technologies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization
  • Equipment Design
  • Infrared Rays
  • Lasers
  • Lasers, Solid-State*
  • Metals / chemistry
  • Normal Distribution
  • Optics and Photonics / methods*
  • Silicon / chemistry
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared / methods

Substances

  • Metals
  • Silicon