Synchronization of pulsed Ti:sapphire lasers and its application to difference frequency mixing for tunable infrared generation

Abstract

A simple and effective technique for synchronizing two independent Ti: sapphire lasers was developed and used for difference-frequency generation. By control of pump intensity, buildup times of these lasers were adjusted to coincide for any combination of wavelengths that was needed for the production of a desired difference frequency. Synchronized pulses were mixed at a AgGaS(2) crystal, producing infrared pulses from 6.2 to 9.7 µm. Characteristic features of the method as well as its possible extension of the tuning range are discussed.