Coherent near-infrared light generation based on self-seeded parametric four-wave mixing in Rb vapor

Abstract

We demonstrate 1.37 µm coherent near-infrared light generation via self-seeded parametric four-wave mixing (FWM) process in Rb atomic vapor. Two lasers (780 nm and 776 nm) in the co-propagating configuration, drive the Rb atoms from the 5S1/2 ground state to the 5D5/2 excited state. The parametric FWM around the 5P3/2–5D5/2–6P3/2–6S1/2–5P3/2 transition loop is effectively established under phase matching conditions. The generated coherent light wavelength is confirmed using an optical spectrum analyzer, and the output power is investigated with the input laser frequency, power and atomic density. Consequently, a 1.37 µm coherent light with the power of 27 µW and the beam quality of M x 2 = 1.22 and M y 2 = 1.25 is obtained. An additional 795 nm laser is introduced to enhance the output power by 1.5 times through velocity-selective optical hyperfine repumping.