Mid infrared gas spectroscopy using efficient fiber laser driven photonic chip-based supercontinuum

Abstract

Directly accessing the middle infrared, the molecular functional group spectral region, via supercontinuum generation processes based on turn-key fiber lasers offers the undeniable advantage of simplicity and robustness. Recently, the assessment of the coherence of the mid-IR dispersive wave in silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) waveguides, pumped at telecom wavelength, established an important first step towards mid-IR frequency comb generation based on such compact systems. Yet, the spectral reach and efficiency still fall short for practical implementation. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that large cross-section Si₃N₄ waveguides pumped with 2 μm fs-fiber laser can reach the important spectroscopic spectral region in the 3–4 μm range, with up to 35% power conversion and milliwatt-level output powers. As a proof of principle, we use this source for detection of C₂H₂ by absorption spectroscopy. Such result makes these sources suitable candidate for compact, chip-integrated spectroscopic and sensing applications.

The mid-infrared spectral region is important for gas sensing applications. Here, Grassani et al. demonstrate efficient supercontinuum generation from fibre-lasers injected into silicon nitride waveguides to provide a turn-key mid-IR source with milliwatt-level output.