Characterization of crystal quartz for QPM wavelength-conversion device

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Materials science
• Laser physics

Background:

• Crystal quartz is a promising material for nonlinear optical applications, particularly for wavelength conversion using intense lasers.
• Quasi-phase matching (QPM) in periodically inverted structures is crucial for efficient nonlinear frequency conversion.
• Understanding transmission characteristics across various spectral regions is essential for material selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate crystal quartz for intense-laser-pumped wavelength conversion.
• To compare transmission properties of various quartz types in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and mid-infrared (MIR) regions.
• To assess the performance of multi-stacked QPM quartz in ultraviolet (UV) generation and its potential for terahertz (THz) wave generation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of periodically inverted quartz structures using a multi-stacking method.
• Measurement of transmission characteristics of different quartz samples in the VUV and MIR spectral ranges.
• Experimental evaluation of QPM quartz for 266 nm UV generation using an intense laser.

Main Results:

• Transmission spectra of various quartz materials in VUV and MIR were obtained and compared.
• QPM quartz fabricated by multi-stacking demonstrated feasibility for UV generation.
• The multi-stacking method for QPM quartz is suitable for intense-laser applications.

Conclusions:

• Crystal quartz with periodically inverted structures is suitable for quasi-phase-matched wavelength conversion.
• Multi-stacked QPM quartz is a viable candidate for intense-laser-pumped THz-wave generation.
• Further research into QPM quartz properties can optimize nonlinear optical processes.