Simultaneous Wavelength-Swept Generation in NIR and SWIR Bands Over Combined 329-nm Band Using Swept-Pump Fiber Optical Parametric Oscillator

We report the demonstration of a new wavelength-swept source. Utilizing narrowband, widely tunable fiber optical parametric process as the gain and the wavelength selection mechanism in a ring laser topology, simultaneous access to two distinct bands (NIR and SWIR) over 329 nm was achieved. A nonmechanical cavity-tuning mechanism allowed for ultrafast sweep rate, limited primarily by the speed of the tunable pump source confined to a conventional 1550-nm band. With the experimentally verified order-of-magnitude enhancement in sweep range and speed, the source opens a path for spectral scanning at an unprecedented speed and range while relying on existing tuning technologies.