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All-prism achromatic phase matching for tunable second-harmonic generation
B A Richman1, S E Bisson, R Trebino
1Combustion Research Facility, Sandia National Laboratories,MS9051, Livermore, California 94551-0969, USA. barichm@sandia.gov
Applied Optics
|March 6, 2008
Summary
This study demonstrates achromatic phase matching (APM) using prisms and beta barium borate (BBO) crystals to achieve efficient, broadband wavelength conversion. The novel apparatus allows for precise control and compensation of angular misalignments, optimizing nonlinear optical processes.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Achromatic phase matching (APM) enables simultaneous phase matching across a broad range of wavelengths.
- Beta barium borate (BBO) is a widely used nonlinear optical crystal for frequency conversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and demonstrate an APM apparatus for efficient broadband second-harmonic generation.
- To optimize prism dispersion for second-order wavelength matching with BBO crystals.
- To investigate compensation of angular misalignments in APM systems.
Main Methods:
- Designed and built a six-prism APM apparatus.
- Utilized a 4-mm BBO crystal for frequency doubling of tunable fundamental light (620-700 nm).
- Employed computer simulations to predict and verify prism compensation capabilities.
Main Results:
- Achieved efficient second-harmonic generation over a tunable wavelength range.
- Demonstrated compensation of angular misalignments using single-prism adjustments.
- Validated simulation predictions for APM system performance and tunability.
Conclusions:
- The developed APM apparatus offers precise control for broadband nonlinear optical applications.
- Single-prism adjustments effectively compensate for angular misalignments, simplifying system operation.
- The APM system's phase-matching bandwidth can be tuned for different crystal lengths.
