Broadband optical parametric amplification using PPLN waveguide pumped by detuned second harmonic

Optical parametric amplification in the range of 1.3-1.8 µm was demonstrated by using a periodically poled LiNbO₃ (PPLN) waveguide as a nonlinear medium by varying the detuning of the pump wavelength. A wide range of detuning was enabled by using a multiple-quasi-phase-matched (M-QPM) LiNbO₃ waveguide for pump generation through second harmonic generation (SHG) and temperature control of the PPLN waveguide. Broadband optical amplification and wavelength conversion through difference frequency generation (DFG) are considered useful for widening the bandwidth of optical communication.