Mid-infrared spectroscopy is a powerful detection technique that enables the identification and measurement of various atmospheric gases, making it invaluable across many fields of everyday life. Its adoption, however, is hindered by the necessity of broadband mid-infrared light sources. These sources are typically bulky and expensive, limiting their accessibility.
The proposed research aims to address these challenges by developing a low-cost, compact broadband laser source. This will be achieved by harnessing the phenomenon of supercontinuum generation in nonlinear waveguides. Precise control over the source’s spectral properties will be achieved by incorporating phase-change materials. The work combines aspects of simulating short-pulse propagation, nanofabrication in a cleanroom environment, and optical characterisation of fabricated devices.
