Difference-frequency generation of ultrashort pulses in the mid-IR using Yb-fiber pump systems and AgGaSe(2)

Opt Express. 2015 Feb 9;23(3):2730-6. doi: 10.1364/OE.23.002730.

Abstract

We employ AgGaSe(2) for difference-frequency generation between signal and idler of synchronously-pumped picosecond / femtosecond OPOs at 80 / 53 MHz. Continuous tuning in the picosecond regime is achieved from 5 to 18 µm with average power of 140 mW at 6 µm. In the femtosecond regime the tunability extends from 5 to 17 µm with average power of 69 mW at 6 µm. Maximum single pulse energies of >1 nJ in both cases represent the highest values at such high repetition rates.