High-power difference-frequency generation at 5-11 µm in AgGaS2

Efficient generation of high peak power and high average power difference-frequency radiation, continuously tunable over the range of
5-11 \mu
m, has been achieved by mixing the Nd:YAG laser radiation with the output of an infrared dye laser pumped by the same Nd: YAG laser in AgGaS
2
. Peak pulse powers as high as 180 kW with an average power output of 14 mW were obtained around 6 μm.