High-efficiency mid-infrared CW-seeded optical parametric generation in PPLN waveguide

Mid-infrared optical sources have been extensively used in a variety of applications, including gas sensing and metrology, by exploiting the fingerprint fundamental vibrational absorption bands of molecules in this spectral region. Parametric frequency conversion techniques, such as optical parametric generation (OPG) and optical parametric oscillator (OPO), represent common methodologies for mid-infrared generation. Notably, continuous-wave (CW)-seeded OPG exhibits superior stability and performance compared to conventional OPG. Here, we present a simple method for mid-infrared source generation based on femtosecond OPG in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguides. In addition to its robustness and simplicity, mid-infrared CW-seeded OPG features a high quantum conversion efficiency of 46.5% and a low threshold. The phase of CW-seeded OPG was passively referenced to the CW laser, making it suitable for dual-comb applications. This system shows great promise in the miniaturization of mid-infrared combs and will be applied to non-laboratory applications, including open-path atmospheric gas sensing and portable environmental monitoring.