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 AgGaSe 2 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.