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.

An important guide to the major techniques for generating coherent light in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum Laser-based Mid-infrared Sources and Applications gives a comprehensive overview of the existing methods for generating coherent light in the important yet difficult-to-reach mid-infrared region of the spectrum (2–20 μm) and their applications. The book describes major approaches for mid-infrared light generation including ion-doped solid-state lasers, fiber lasers, semiconductor lasers, and laser sources based on nonlinear optical frequency conversion, and reviews a range of applications: spectral recognition of molecules and trace gas sensing, biomedical and military applications, high-field physics and attoscience, and others. Every chapter starts with the fundamentals for a given technique that enables self-directed study, while extensive references help conduct deeper research. Laser-based Mid-infrared Sources and Applications provides up-to-date information on the state-of the art mid-infrared sources, discusses in detail the advancements made over the last two decades such as microresonators and interband cascade lasers, and explores novel approaches that are currently subjects of intense research such as supercontinuum and frequency combs generation. This important book: • Explains the fundamental principles and major techniques for coherent mid-infrared light generation • Discusses recent advancements and current cutting-edge research in the field • Highlights important biomedical, environmental, and military applications Written for researchers, academics, students, and engineers from different disciplines, the book helps navigate the rapidly expanding field of mid-infrared laser-based technologies.

The book describes the most advanced techniques for generating coherent light in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum. These techniques represent diverse areas of photonics and include heterojunction semiconductor lasers, quantum cascade lasers, tunable crystalline lasers, fiber lasers, Raman lasers, and optical parametric laser sources. Offering authoritative reviews by internationally recognized experts, the book provides a wealth of information on the essential principles and methods of the generation of coherent mid-infrared light and on some of its applications. The instructive nature of the book makes it an excellent text for physicists and practicing engineers who want to use mid-infrared laser sources in spectroscopy, medicine, remote sensing and other fields, and for researchers in various disciplines requiring a broad introduction to the subject.

Long-wavelength Infrared Semiconductor Lasers provides a comprehensive review of the current status of semiconductor coherent sources emitting in the mid-to far-infrared spectrum and their applications. It includes three topics not covered in any previous book: far-infrared emission from photo-mixers as well as from hot-hole lasers, and InP-based lasers emitting beyond two micrometers. Semiconductor lasers emitting at more than two micrometers have many applications such as in trace gas analysis, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control. Because of very rapid progress in recent years, until this book no comprehensive information beyond scattered journal articles is available at present.

Clear, integrated coverage of all aspects of nonlinear optics—phenomena, materials, and devices Coauthored by George Stegeman, one of the most highly respected pioneers of nonlinear optics—with contributions on applications from Robert Stegeman—this book covers nonlinear optics from a combined physics, optics, materials science, and devices perspective. It offers a thoroughly balanced treatment of concepts, nonlinear materials, practical aspects of nonlinear devices, and current application areas. Beginning with the presentation of a simple electron on a spring model—to help readers make the leap from concepts to applications—Nonlinear Optics gives comprehensive explanations of second-order phenomena, derivation of nonlinear susceptibilities, third-order nonlinear effects, multi-wave mixing, scattering, and more. Coverage includes: Nonlinear response of materials at the molecular level Second-order nonlinear devices, their optimization and limitations The physical origins of second- and third-order nonlinearities Typical frequency dispersion of nonlinearities, explained in terms of simple two- and three-level models Ultrafast and ultrahigh intensity processes Practice problems demonstrating the design of such nonlinear devices as frequency doublers and optical oscillators Based on more than twenty years of lectures at the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL) at the University of Central Florida, Nonlinear Optics introduces all topics from the ground up, making the material easily accessible not only for physicists, but also for chemists and materials scientists, as well as professionals in diverse areas of optics, from laser physics to electrical engineering.

In this book, the first high-speed silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) modulator is demonstrated by exploiting a highly-nonlinear polymer cladding and a silicon waveguide. By using a liquid crystal cladding instead, an ultra-low power phase shifter is obtained. A third type of device is proposed for achieving three-wave mixing on the silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) platform. Finally, new physical constants which describe the optical absorption in charge accumulation/inversion layers in silicon are determined.

This collection of authoritative reviews by leading experts provides a broad and instructive introduction to the most advanced techniques for generating coherent light in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum. With a wealth of up-to-date references – also available online.

Handbook of Optoelectronics offers a self-contained reference from the basic science and light sources to devices and modern applications across the entire spectrum of disciplines utilizing optoelectronic technologies. This second edition gives a complete update of the original work with a focus on systems and applications. Volume I covers the details of optoelectronic devices and techniques including semiconductor lasers, optical detectors and receivers, optical fiber devices, modulators, amplifiers, integrated optics, LEDs, and engineered optical materials with brand new chapters on silicon photonics, nanophotonics, and graphene optoelectronics. Volume II addresses the underlying system technologies enabling state-of-the-art communications, imaging, displays, sensing, data processing, energy conversion, and actuation. Volume III is brand new to this edition, focusing on applications in infrastructure, transport, security, surveillance, environmental monitoring, military, industrial, oil and gas, energy generation and distribution, medicine, and free space. No other resource in the field comes close to its breadth and depth, with contributions from leading industrial and academic institutions around the world. Whether used as a reference, research tool, or broad-based introduction to the field, the Handbook offers everything you need to get started. John P. Dakin, PhD, is professor (emeritus) at the Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, UK. Robert G. W. Brown, PhD, is chief executive officer of the American Institute of Physics and an adjunct full professor in the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic at the University of California, Irvine.

A comprehensive account of the latest developments and applications in this rapidly developing field, covering a wide range of topics, such as power scaling and short pulse generation, dispersion management and modeling, broadband supercontinuum generation and wavelength tailoring. The book brings together contributions from the world's leading experts at major collaborative research centers throughout Europe, Australia, Russia and the USA. Each chapter presents a tutorial style introduction to the selected topic suitable for scientists, researchers and experts, as well as graduate and postgraduate students with a basic background in optics.

The book reviews the dramatic recent advances in the use of optical resonators for high sensitivity and high resolution molecular spectroscopy as well as for chemical, mechanical and physical sensing. It encompasses a variety of cavities including those made of two or more mirrors, optical fiber loops, fiber gratings and spherical cavities. The book focuses on novel techniques and their applications. Each chapter is written by an expert and/or pioneer in the field. These experts also provide the theoretical background in optics and molecular physics where needed. Examples of recent breakthroughs include the use of frequency combs (Nobel prize 2005) for cavity enhanced sensing and spectroscopy, the use of novel cavity materials and geometries, the development of optical heterodyne detection techniques combined to active frequency-locking schemes. These methods allow the use and interrogation of optical resonators with a variety of coherent light sources for trace gas detection and sensing of strain, temperature and pressure.