Dual band mid-wave/long-wave IR source for atmospheric remote sensing

We describe the development of an IR source capable of generating light simultaneously in the 3-4 micrometers and 8-13 micrometers bands. Using a tandem optical parametric oscillator architecture, the output wavelengths arise as the signal and idler, respectively, of an AgGaSe2 based OPO. Both efficiency and tuning of this OPO system are discussed and, in particular, a rapid electrooptic method of tuning both mid-wave and long wave IR bands is described.