Time/frequency-domain characterization of a mid-IR DFG frequency comb via two-photon and heterodyne detection.

Mid-infrared frequency combs are nowadays well-appreciated sources for spectroscopy and frequency metrology. Here, a comprehensive approach for characterizing a difference-frequency-generated mid-infrared frequency comb (DFG-comb) both in the time and in the frequency domain is presented. An autocorrelation scheme exploiting mid-infrared two-photon detection is used for characterizing the pulse width and to verify the optimal compression of the generated pulses reaching a pulse duration (FWHM) as low as 196 fs.

Characterization of noise regimes in mid-IR free-space optical communication based on quantum cascade lasers.

The recent development of Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) represents one of the biggest opportunities for the deployment of a new class of Free Space Optical (FSO) communication systems working in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength range. As compared to more common FSO systems exploiting the telecom range, the larger wavelength employed in mid-IR systems delivers exceptional benefits in case of adverse atmospheric conditions, as the reduced scattering rate strongly suppresses detrimental effects on the FSO link length given by the presence of rain, dust, fog, and haze. In this work, we use a novel FSO testbed operating at 4.

Analog FM free-space optical communication based on a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser frequency comb.

Quantum cascade laser frequency combs are nowadays well-appreciated sources for infrared spectroscopy. Here their applicability for free-space optical communication is demonstrated. The spontaneously-generated intermodal beat note of the frequency comb is used as carrier for transferring the analog signal via frequency modulation.

Mid-infrared homodyne balanced detector for quantum light characterization.

We present the characterization of a novel balanced homodyne detector operating in the mid-infrared. The challenging task of revealing non-classicality in mid-infrared light, e. g.