Research Progress of Mid-Infrared Supercontinuum and Its Coherence Based on Chalcogenide Fibers

Chalcogenide glasses have excellent mid- and far-infrared transmittance and extremely high nonlinear coefficients, and were seen as excellent candidate materials for realizing the mid-infrared supercontinuum generation. Recently, researchers at domestic and abroad have explored continuous optimization of supercontinuum output characteristics by adjusting the matrix materials, optimizing the structural parameters, and improving the pumping source. In this article, the development course of supercontinuum generation in chalcogenide fibers was reviewed. Moreover, the most recent progresses about the spectral broadening, output power, and coherence of supercontinuum generated in three kinds of chalcogenide glass fibers, including step-index, microstructure, and tapered fibers, were reviewed. Finally, the problems existing in the researches and the development trends were analyzed and prospected.