Mid-Infrared photonic sources and devices

中红外光谱区(MID-IR)包含了最常见的分子(甲烷、臭氧、水、二氧化碳等)的强烈振动跃迁，是最近出现的具有极其重要科学和技术意义的光谱区。然而，毫不奇怪，中红外激光光源以及相应的传输和处理设备(例如，波导、传感器等)已经证明了它们对于光谱学、材料加工和生物分子传感等几个应用是多么关键。许多环境(远程蒸气痕迹探测)、安全(导弹对抗)和通信(隐蔽通信系统)应用也可以受益于覆盖3-5微米和8-13微米两个大气传输窗口的中红外光源。目前，中红外光源、元器件和器件的发展面临着一些需要解决的实际和根本性的挑战。因此，该提案的主要目标是专门解决与发展中红外光纤激光器和中红外集成光子组件有关的基本挑战。

The middle infrared spectral region (mid-IR) which is comprising the strong vibrational transitions of most common molecules (methane, ozone, water, CO2, etc), has emerged recently as a spectral region of utmost scientific and technological importance. Not surprisingly though, mid-IR laser sources as well as corresponding transmitting and processing devices (e.g. waveguides, sensors, etc.) have proven how crucial they are for several applications, namely in spectroscopy, material processing and bio-molecular sensing. Numerous environmental (remote vapour trace detection), security (missile countermeasures) and communication (covert communication systems) applications could also benefit from mid-IR sources that cover the two atmospheric transmission windows of 3-5 microns and 8-13 microns. Now, the development of mid-IR sources, components and devices is facing several practical and fundamental challenges that need to be addressed. The main objective of this proposal is therefore specifically to address those fundamental challenges pertaining to the development of both mid-IR fiber lasers and mid-IR integrated photonic components.