Mid-infrared all-optical wavelength converter based on highly nonlinear MXene-decorated microfiber

Abstract

We propose an all-optical wavelength converter for the mid-infrared spectral range with enhanced conversion efficiency. A highly nonlinear MXene-decorated microfiber is fabricated by the optical deposition method as the conversion medium, and the fiber exhibits a remarkable nonlinear optical response. We combine the benefits of the two-dimensional MXene materials and tapered microfiber to promote conversion efficiency. Homebuilt holmium-doped fiber lasers emitting at 2.05  μm wavelength are used as pump and signal sources. The experimental conversion efficiency observed by the optical spectrum analyzer is measured at –27.22 dB. This optical device allows an arbitrary tuning range of 17 nm. The fluctuations of the conversion efficiency remain within 1 dB during 2 h. The results of this study may contribute to the realization of optical converter application in the all-optical network at 2  μm wavelength.