Polarization-controlled nonlinear computer-generated holography

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Quantum optics
• Laser physics

Background:

• Dynamic phase-only beam shaping is crucial for controlling light intensity and wavefronts.
• Dynamic nonlinear beam shaping remains underexplored due to the degenerate nature of second harmonic generation.
• Type II phase matching offers a potential solution to distinguish interacting fields in nonlinear processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate dynamic nonlinear beam shaping using type II phase matching.
• To achieve arbitrary intensity control in frequency-converted light fields.
• To explore applications in the ultraviolet spectral range.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a liquid crystal spatial light modulator for phase-only beam shaping.
• Implementing type II phase matching to manage second harmonic generation.
• Experimentally verifying intensity profile control in the nonlinear process.

Main Results:

• Arbitrary intensity distributions were shaped in the frequency-converted field.
• The quality of nonlinear beam shaping matched that of linear beam shaping.
• Conversion efficiencies remained comparable to those without beam shaping.

Conclusions:

• Type II phase matching effectively enables dynamic nonlinear beam shaping.
• This technique overcomes limitations of degenerate nonlinear processes.
• It represents a significant advancement for beam shaping in the ultraviolet spectrum.