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Continuous wave tunable laser from 616 nm to 637 nm based on a compact sum frequency generation setup
Optics Express
|September 23, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a compact sum frequency generation (SFG) system producing tunable visible light. The system utilizes periodically poled magnesium oxide-doped lithium niobate for efficient, user-friendly operation.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear optics
- Laser physics
- Materials science
Background:
- Sum frequency generation (SFG) is a key nonlinear optical process.
- Developing compact and efficient visible light sources is crucial for various applications.
- Periodically poled ferroelectrics offer tunable nonlinear optical responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a compact, continuously tunable single-frequency visible light source using SFG.
- To compare the performance of periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) and periodically poled magnesium oxide-doped lithium niobate (PPMgOLN) crystals.
- To achieve high power output and efficient fiber coupling.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing two tunable laser sources at 1 µm and 1.5 µm as input.
- Employing custom-made PPLN and PPMgOLN crystals for SFG.
- Tuning the output wavelength via temperature control of the crystals.
Main Results:
- Achieved continuously tunable single-frequency visible radiation from 616 nm to 637 nm.
- Obtained Watt-level power over the entire tunability range using PPMgOLN.
- Demonstrated 80% coupling efficiency into a single-mode fiber due to favorable mode profile.
Conclusions:
- The developed compact SFG setup provides a versatile and efficient source of tunable visible light.
- PPMgOLN crystals offer superior power output and performance compared to PPLN for this application.
- The system's ease of operation and high coupling efficiency make it suitable for practical applications.
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