Widely Tunable Continuous-Wave Mid-Infrared Laser Source Based on Difference-Frequency Generation in AgGaS(2).

ABSTRACT

We demonstrate difference-frequency generation in the 6.8-12.5-mum range by mixing two high-power single-frequency laser diodes in a type II AgGaS(2) crystal. This compact all-solid-state scheme provides maximum output powers that exceed 1 muW and permits continuous adjustment-free scans larger than 2 cm(-1) across the entire tuning range.