Spatial asymmetry of optical parametric fluorescence with a divergent pump beam and potential applications

The spatial distribution of the optical parametric fluorescence generated in a negative uniaxial nonlinear crystal is asymmetric with respect to the pump when the pump beam has a slight divergence angle. The formation mechanism of this phenomenon and the influence of parameters were analyzed and discussed from a theoretical standpoint. Moreover, two potential applications of this phenomenon were experimentally demonstrated, showing the temporal contrast improvement of ultra-intense lasers and the intensity enhancement of special light sources induced by the optical parametric generation.