High Power Mid-Infrared Supercontinuum Fiber Lasers at 2-5 µm

Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a supercontinuum laser that has high power output over the 2-5 micron wavelength range.

Background: 
There are various methods for generating a mid-infrared laser source. The problem commonly faced is that it is difficult to emit on a supercontinuum in the IR region. Most competing lasers emit no higher than 2.4 micrometers with a relatively low power. 

Advantages:

• Higher power than competitors
• Supercontinuum

Applications:

• Biomedical imaging
• Spectrophotometry
• Missile countermeasures

Status: issued U.S patent #8,804,777; prototype built and tested.