Broadband, stable supercontinuum generation in diamond from 350 to 1400 nm

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate supercontinuum (SC) generation in diamond. Using diamond as the nonlinear medium pumped by an 800 nm femtosecond laser, we generate a broadband SC spanning 350–1400 nm, with an output pulse energy of approximately 22.2 µJ (excluding residual pump). We also investigate the laser-induced damage characteristics of diamond and the system's operational stability. Owing to diamond's high laser-induced damage threshold and exceptional thermal stability, the SC exhibits significant potential for long-term stable operation at high pump energies. Furthermore, simulations effectively corroborate experimental observations, indicating that longer crystals and smaller pump numerical apertures facilitate broader SC generation. These results establish diamond as a promising nonlinear medium for SC generation, offering superior characteristics including an ultra-broadband spectrum (covering the entire visible range), excellent spectral reproducibility, and high-energy output.