Mid-IR fiber optic light source around 6 micron through parametric wavelength translation

TL;DR

This paper presents a numerical design of a chalcogenide microstructured optical fiber capable of generating mid-infrared light around 6 microns through degenerate four-wave mixing, with high amplification and efficiency.

Contribution

It introduces a novel all-glass chalcogenide fiber design optimized for efficient mid-IR light generation via parametric processes, demonstrating significant amplification and conversion efficiency.

Findings

Achieves over 20 dB parametric amplification at 6.46 microns.

Maximum power conversion efficiency of 33% for narrow band source.

40% conversion efficiency over 5-6.3 microns range.

Abstract

We report numerically designed highly nonlinear all glass chalcogenide microstructured optical fiber for efficient generation of light around 6 micron through degenerate four wave mixing by considering continuous wave CO laser of 5 to 10 Watts power emitting at 5.6 micron as the pump. By tuning the pump wavelength, pump power, fiber dispersion and nonlinear properties, narrow and broad band mid-IR all-fiber light source could be realized. Parametric amplification of more than 20 decibel is achievable for the narrow band source at 6.46 micron with a maximum power conversion efficiency of 33 percent while amplification of 22 decibel is achievable for a B-band source over the wavelength range of 5 to 6.3 micron with a conversion efficiency of 40 percent.