Covering fundamental principles and the state of the art, this is a collection of reviews from experts in mid-infrared (mid-IR) coherent sources. Among the sources covered are optical parametric oscillators, difference frequency generators, and the most recent broadband crystalline, quantum cascade, and fiber lasers. The authors show how advances in mid-IR science and technology make these sources indispensable for a variety of applications.
The aim of this book is to bring into focus this important research area and provide a comprehensive review of the research topics most pertinent to the advancement of coherent mid-IR sources and their applications. The volume brings together contributions from the most eminent international researchers in the field, covering various aspects of mid-IR technology from fundamental principles to materials, systems and applications, and addresses the most important recent advances in the field. A central theme of the present volume is the strong emphasis on the applications of mid-IR sources to emerging areas of science and technology, with no less than 8 out of the 22 chapters dedicated to this topic. These include spectroscopic techniques for trace gas detection and sensing in environmental monitoring, life sciences, safety and security, applications of mid-IR sources in breath analysis and medicine, as well as potential applications in high-intensity and attosecond physics. It is hoped that this volume will also provide added stimulus for further progress in the field, where major challenges still remain and great potential exists for further new breakthroughs.