title: Optical parametric amplification of a distributed-feedback quantum-cascade laser in orientation-patterned GaAs.
abstract: We demonstrate what is to our knowledge the first realization of an optical parametric amplifier in orientation-patterned GaAs amplifying the emission of a quantum-cascade laser (QCL) with a distributed-feedback (DFB) structure. We report a gain as high as 53 dB at 4.5 mum, in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The narrow spectral linewidth and the good beam quality of this source are imposed by the DFB-QCL, while high-peak-power emission is achieved through the parametric amplification. These characteristics are of valuable interest for long-range spectroscopy.
authors.affiliation: Thales Research and Technology, 1 Avenue Augustin Fresnel, 91767 Palaiseau Cedex, France. guillaume.bloom@thalesgroup.com
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bloom
authors.forename: Arnaud
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grisard
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lallier
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Larat
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carras
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Marcadet