Optical frequency combs are a key technology for optical precision measurements. So far, most frequency combs operate in the near-infrared regime (NIR). Many applications, however, require combs in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS) or mid-infrared (MIR) spectral ranges. This can be achieved by making use of nonlinear-optical processes. In this contribution, we demonstrate the efficient conversion of frequency combs with a repetition rate of 21 GHz to UV, VIS and MIR wavelengths in a synchronously driven high-Q microresonator with second-order optical nonlinearity. This opens up a new path for applications including, but not limited to, molecular sensing and quantum optics.
High-quality whispering gallery resonators (WGRs) made of AgGaSe2 and CdSiP2 bulk crystals are fabricated. With femtosecond laser matching and subsequent fine polishing, the intrinsic Q-factors of these resonators are approaching values of 106 to 107 . By adjusting the coupling condition, maximum coupling efficiencies of 60% and 30% for AgGaSe2 and CdSiP2 resonators could be obtained. In addition, thermal effects on the distortion of the mode spectra of these resonators are also investigated. The results in this work reveal great potentials of WGRs made of non-oxide crystals for mid infrared applications.
The tunability of cw optical parametric oscillators can be extended in the mid-infrared spectral range by using whispering gallery resonators (WGRs) made of non-oxide crystals. We demonstrate the fabrication of WGRs from silver gallium selenide, cadmium silicon phosphide and orientation-patterned gallium phosphide with quality factors above 106 . The resonators made of the first two provide optical parametric oscillation in the mid-infrared pumped by a compact laser diode at 1.57 μm wavelength. The wavelength tunability of the device based on silver gallium selenide provides a tuning range beyond 8 μm wavelength. These achievements are considered as the first steps of cw optical parametric oscillators into this important spectral region.
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