Ultralow-threshold Raman lasing with CaF2 resonators

We demonstrate efficient Raman lasing with CaF2 Whispering-gallery-mode resonators. Continuous-wave emission threshold is shown to be possible below 1 mu W with a 5 mm cavity, which is to our knowledge orders of magnitude lower than in any other Raman source. Low-threshold lasing is made possible by the ultrahigh optical quality factor of the cavity, of the order of Q = 5 x 10(10). Stokes components of up to the fifth order were observed at a pump power of 160 mu W, and up to the eighth order at 1 mW. A lasing threshold of 15 mu W was also observed in a 100 mu m CaF2 microcavity. Potential applications are discussed. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.