Advanced systems for parametric imaging in the mid-IR region

Imaging using optical parametric amplification (OPA) and optical parametric up-conversion has been performed since 1960s. Various problems associated with the pump laser, such as beam quality, size, weight, and power consumption, and optical quality of crystals have limited the utility of these techniques. While in recent times, new as well as good optical quality crystals with high damage resistance are being frown, there is a need to incorporate efficient laser pump configurations for developing field deployable imaging systems. Based on the development of a highly efficient and very compact semiconductor diode pumped OPO, the present paper discusses the design concepts of a self- pumped optical parametric amplifier and mixer for imaging using mid-IR wavelengths.