Phase-stabilized, 1.5 W frequency comb at 2.8-4.8 μm

We present a high-power optical-parametric-oscillator (OPO) based frequency comb in the mid-IR wavelength region. The system employs periodically poled lithium niobate and is singly resonant for the signal. It is synchronously pumped by a 10 W femtosecond Yb:fiber laser centered at 1.07 mu m. The idler (signal) wavelength can be continuously tuned from 2.8 to 4.8 mu m (1.76 to 1.37 mu m) with a simultaneous bandwidth as high as 0.3 mu m and a maximum average idler output power of 1.50 W. We also demonstrate the performance of the stabilized comb by recording the heterodyne beat with a narrow-linewidth diode laser. This OPO is an ideal source for frequency comb spectroscopy in the mid-IR. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America