Tunable Optical Sources and Synthetic Nonlinear Media: Growth and Characterization of Nonlinear Optical Materials

Abstract : The results of a joint research program in the development of nonlinear optical devices for the generation of tunable coherent radiation and the growth and processing of the nonlinear optical materials used in these devices is described. Continuous-wave (cw) external-resonant-cavity harmonic generation and optical parametric oscillation have demonstrated the requirement for low losses and good resistance to optical damage in nonlinear optical materials. We have extended cw harmonic conversion to the generation of 1.7 watts of 532-nm radiation using periodically poled lithium niobate and lithium- diffused lithium niobate. We are continuing to investigate the growth technology of the bulk chalcopyrite materials AgGaSe2 and ZnGeP2 and quantum well structures in GaAs for nonlinear infrared applications. A substantial effort has been placed of the characterization of nonlinear materials. Nonlinear optical coefficients have been remeasured in a number of materials to resolve discrepancies that have persisted for two decades, and the optical properties of the lithium diffused lithium niobate have been accurately characterized.