Simultaneous observation of CO isotopomer absorption by broadband difference-frequency generation using a direct-bonded quasi-phase-matched LiNbO3 waveguide

Rovibration absorption lines both of 12CO and 13CO are observed simultaneously with the output of a 2 microm broadband difference frequency generated in a direct-bonded quasi-phase-matched LiNbO3 waveguide, which is a 50 mm device with a single quasi-phase-matching period that is operated at a constant temperature. The wavelength conversion efficiency and the difference-frequency generation bandwidth reach 100%/W and 100 nm, respectively. The idler output bandwidth in the 2 microm region is obtained by group-velocity matching or phase-mismatch minimization when a 0.94 microm pump laser diode and a 1.55 microm tunable signal source are used.