Short-wave infrared broadband up-conversion imaging by using a noncritical phase matched bulk KTiOPO$_4$ crystal

Abstract

Compared to cryogenically cooled conventional detectors, up-conversion detection enables efficient room-temperature short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging. Although quasi-phase-matching (QPM) in periodically poled crystals offers advantages, the small crystal aperture (typically 1 mm$\times$3 mm) limits resolution. Non-poled crystals enable larger apertures but suffer walk-off aberrations. This work overcomes these limitations by using a noncritical phase matched (NCPM) KTiOPO$_4$ crystal (6 mm$\times$7 mm aperture, 0.5 mm length). Results show resolutions 6$\times$ and 2$\times$ higher than periodically poled crystals in orthogonal directions, with broad conversion band (1.3-2.2 $\mu$m) covering biological and atmospheric windows. The absence of walk-off ensures better image fidelity in up-conversion process. This study presents the first comprehensive characterization of NCPM-based broadband up-conversion imaging, demonstrating performance at the theoretical resolution limit while circumventing drawbacks inherent in alternative up-conversion schemes and conventional detectors.