Middle Infrared Broadly Tunable Compact Cavity-Less Source based on Parametric Conversion

Challenge Creation of a Middle infrared (Mid-IR) source to enable the exploitation of the Mid-IR spectral band full potential in Science

and Engineering applications (spectroscopy, sensing, free space communication)

Goals Ø Revolutionize light generation in the Mid-IR band (2 - 6 µm)

Ø Move beyond limitations of conventional resonant (cavity) processes

Ø Develop first modulation capable, portable and athermal source across wide range of Mid-IR frequencies

Approach Two-step approach for efficient conversion of Near IR light to Mid-IR:

Matisse

Camille-Sophie Brès

Impact

Mode-hop free operation Broadly tunable Narrow linewidth

Modulation capability

Mid IR spectroscopy

Enhanced selectivity Single molecule sensitivity

Sensing Wideband sensing

High resolution mapping

Free space communication Modulation speeds

Improved quality

§  Design and modelling §  Characterization

§  Fabrication §  Block integration

Agenda Silica front-end

Balancing birefringence, loss &

dispersion

§  Near IR quality in short wave IR for driving Mid IR stage

§  Modulation, narrow linewidth, power at silica transparency limit

Mid-IR stage Material, dispersion engineering & phase

matching physic

§  Engineering novel non-silica platforms driven from short wave IR

§  Efficient wavelength conversion to Mid-IR maintaining Near IR quality

Two-step mixing Synergy between telecom devices &

Mid-IR mixers

§  Integration of distinct but complementary blocks

§  Continuous coverage over unprecedented spectral bandwidth

Provide presently non-existing but essential Mid-IR source  Bridge the technological gap between telecom and Mid-IR band  

Near IR Short wave IR Mid-IR

Silica Soft glass Silicon

Ø Relax phase matching constraints Ø Utilize advanced Near IR technology with silica front-end Ø Exploit the Mid-IR capabilities of non-silica platforms