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

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 mu m 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 mu m wavelength. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.