Difference frequency generation in quasi‐phase‐matched LiNbO3is carried out using a Nd:YAG laser and a high power semiconductor laser. Operation at quasi‐phase‐matching degeneracy point results in an ultrawide 0.5 &mgr;m acceptance bandwidth. Crystal‐rotation‐free wavelength tuning of 4.0–4.5 &mgr;m, with 0.2 mW output power at 4.5 &mgr;m is achieved. Separately, a tuning range 3.0–5.5 &mgr;m is demonstrated with sample rotation and a Ti:Al2O3laser. ©1995 American Institute of Physics.