1. Faculty of Physics, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia 2. International Laser Center, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia 3. Russian Quantum Center, Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
Abstract:
Generation of ultrashort pulses of electromagnetic radiation in the range of wavelengths from 3 to 17 μm is experimentally demonstrated using difference-frequency mixing of the signal and idler waves delivered through an optical parametric amplification of a week broadband seed by high-power near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses. Cross-correlation measurements demonstrate that pulses as short as a few cycles of electromagnetic field are produced in the mid- and far-infrared ranges by means of difference-frequency generation.