Continuous-wave mid-infrared laser sources based on difference frequency generation

Abstract

We report on recent developments of widely tunable, continuous-wave (CW) laser sources based on difference-frequency generation (DFG) in nonlinear optical materials. The state-of-the-art of CW DFG technology will be reviewed. Applications of the DFG-based laser source to high-resolution molecular spectroscopy and trace gas detection will be presented. New development trends of DFG will be discussed.