Mid-infrared nonlinear upconversion imaging and sensing

The mid-IR wavelength range is highly relevant for a number of applications related to gas spectroscopy and spectral analysis of complex molecules such as those including CH bounds. The main obstacles for exploitation of mid-IR applications include suitable and affordable mid-IR light sources for excitation of the sample and sensitive mid-IR detectors. With the advent of mid-IR Quantum cascaded lasers and super continuum light sources new possibilities has emerged. However, low-noise, mid-IR (2-15 mu m) detection is still challenging requiring cryogenic cooling to gain sensitivities needed for measurements of fluorescence or absorptions signals. Mid-IR upconversion imaging and detection using nonlinear crystals offers good promise as an alternative, sensitive mid-IR imaging and detection technology. In this paper the fundamental properties of upconversion is discussed.