Two-color chirped pulse amplification with AOPGCF for self-stabilized mid-infrared radiation generation

We report here a new scheme that will enable one to generate MIR ultra short pulses in a simple and programmable approach. This technique uses an Acousto-Optic Programmable Gain Control Filter (AOPGCF) or Mazzler. It enabled us to perform regenerative pulse shaping to control the overall gain of a CPA system. Using this device, spectra as broad as 100 nm has already been obtained, only limited by stretcher and optics bandwidth. Unwanted wavelengths can then be suppressed using a Dazzler and/or by diffracting all these wavelengths with the Mazzler. Two-Color tunable spectra with separation of 70 nm have obtained using that technique. Moreover controlling the spectral phase with the Dazzler guaranties complete synchronization of the two pulses. The two spatially and temporally superimposed pulses can then be focused on DFG crystal to generate MIR radiation. Using broadband optics and stretcher, this is a very promising technique for the High Harmonics and Attosecond community to obtain self-CEP stabilized ultra short laser pulse.