title: Automatic continuous scanning and random-access switching of mid-infrared waves generated by difference-frequency mixing.
abstract: We report the rapid tuning of mid-infrared waves beyond 5 microm emitted in difference-frequency mixing with an electronically tuned dual-wavelength Ti:Al2O3 laser used as a pumping source. Simultaneous rapid tuning of the dual wavelengths, which satisfy phase matching in AgGaS2, allows rapid random access switching and continuous tuning of mid-infrared wavelengths. In random-access switching, the mid-infrared wavelength is tuned every pulse shot at a repetition rate of 1 kHz. Mid-infrared wavelengths continuously tuned from 5.2 to 7.2 microm, from 7.0 to 9.1 microm, and from 8.9 to 12.0 microm are achieved at phase-matched angles of 55 degrees, 50 degrees, and 45 degrees, respectively.
authors.affiliation: Solid-State Optical Science Researh Unit, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan. norihito@riken.jp
authors.forename: Norihito
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Mayumi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wada
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tashiro