Quasi-phase-matched difference-frequency generation in periodically poled Ti:LiNbO(3) channel waveguides

Mid-infrared radiation near 2.8 mum was generated by difference-frequency generation in an 80-mm-long periodically poled Ti:LiNbO(3) channel waveguide by pump radiation near 1.55 mum (tunable external-cavity laser) and a signal radiation of 3.391 mum (HeNe laser). We obtained a normalized conversion efficiency of 105% W(-1) , which is to our knowledge the highest value ever reported.