Contents
- 1 Sources of Mid-infrared Light
- 1.1 Introduction
- 1.2 Applications of Mid-infrared Light
- 1.3 Types of Mid-infrared Lasers
- 1.3.1 Quantum Cascade Lasers
- 1.3.2 Lead Salt Lasers
- 1.3.3 Doped Insulator Bulk Lasers
- 1.3.4 Fiber Lasers
- 1.3.5 Gas and Chemical Lasers
- 1.3.6 Sources Based on Difference Frequency Generation
- 1.3.7 Optical Parametric Oscillators, Amplifiers, and Generators
- 1.3.8 Supercontinuum Sources
- 1.3.9 Miniature Mid-IR Sources
- 1.3.10 Other Sources
- 1.4 Conclusion
Source: Femtum
<>
Sources of Mid-infrared Light
Introduction
Mid-infrared light sources are essential for various applications, including laser absorption spectroscopy, infrared imaging, laser material processing, and military defense systems. This article explores different types of mid-infrared lasers and their applications.
Applications of Mid-infrared Light
Mid-infrared sources are commonly used in laser absorption spectroscopy to detect trace gases, infrared imaging for material penetration, laser material processing for selective material removal, and military defense systems for countermeasures against heat-seeking missiles.
Types of Mid-infrared Lasers
Quantum Cascade Lasers
Quantum cascade lasers are semiconductor lasers that utilize intersubband transitions to generate mid-infrared light. They are widely used in optical spectroscopy for trace gas detection and free-space optical communications.
Lead Salt Lasers
Lead salt lasers, based on ternary lead compounds, were used in the past for mid-infrared emission. However, they require cryogenic cooling and have been largely replaced by quantum cascade lasers.
Doped Insulator Bulk Lasers
Doped insulator solid-state lasers, such as chromium-doped zinc selenide lasers, emit mid-infrared light and are suitable for various applications, including spectroscopy and material processing.
Fiber Lasers
Fiber lasers based on erbium-doped fluoride fibers can emit mid-infrared light and are used for laser material processing. They offer advantages such as high average output powers and resistance to thermal effects.
Gas and Chemical Lasers
Gas lasers like helium-neon and CO2 lasers, as well as chemical lasers like deuterium fluoride lasers, emit mid-infrared light and are used for various purposes, including scientific research and military applications.
Sources Based on Difference Frequency Generation
Difference frequency generation in nonlinear crystals can generate mid-infrared light from two near-infrared beams. This technique is used for spectroscopic investigations and other applications requiring tunable mid-infrared light.
Optical Parametric Oscillators, Amplifiers, and Generators
Optical parametric devices like OPOs, OPAs, and OPGs can generate mid-infrared light by nonlinear frequency conversion. They are used for applications such as laser material processing and optical coherence tomography.
Supercontinuum Sources
Supercontinuum sources generate broad spectra spanning the mid-infrared region. They are used in applications like OCT for imaging and scientific research.
Miniature Mid-IR Sources
Efforts are underway to develop integrated circuits for mid-infrared applications, although challenges exist in realizing compact mid-infrared sources on chips.
Other Sources
Various other sources, such as free electron lasers and black body emitters, can also emit mid-infrared light for specific applications.
Conclusion
Mid-infrared light sources play a crucial role in a wide range of applications, from scientific research to industrial processes and defense systems. Understanding the different types of mid-infrared lasers and their applications is essential for harnessing the full potential of this spectral region.
Source: Market Research Intellect
Feel free to comment your thoughts.
