title: Flexible and rapidly configurable femtosecond pulse generation in the mid-IR.
abstract: We demonstrate a new experimental approach for flexible femtosecond pulse generation in the mid-IR by use of difference-frequency generation from two tightly synchronized Ti:sapphire lasers. The resultant mid-IR pulse train can be easily tuned, with an adjustable repetition frequency up to 100 MHz, a pulse energy of approximately 1.5 x 10(-13) J, and an intensity noise similar to that of the Ti:sapphire. Rapid switching of the mid-IR wavelength and programmable amplitude modulation are achieved by precision setting of the time delay between two original pulses.
authors.affiliation: JILA, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0440, USA.
authors.forename: Seth M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Foreman
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ye