Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)
Wavelength shifting and amplification of optical pulses through cascaded second order processes in periodically-poled lithium niobate
Gian Piero Banfi, P.K. Datta, Vittorio Degiorgio, Davide D. Fortusini
Abstract
We report on wavelength-shifting based on cascaded second-order nonlinearities1 in periodically-poled lithium niobate. Wavelength shifting from a signal s at λs=λp+Δ to a frequency-shifted signal f at λf=λp−Δ is obtained under the action of a pump p at λp: the effect is realized through the generation of the second harmonic (sh) of p and subsequent parametric amplification of s driven by sh. In the latter process f is also generated. Exploiting the advantages of quasi-phase-matching, efficient shifting is achieved at pump intensities about two orders of magnitude lower than in traditional second-order materials such as BBO.2