High average power harmonic generation

High average power frequency conversion using solid-state nonlinear materials is discussed. Recent laboratory experience and new developments in design concepts show that current technology, a few tens of watts, may be extended by several orders of magnitude. For example, using KD*P, efficient doubling (> 70 percent) of Nd:YAG at average powers approaching 100 KW is possible; for doubling to the blue or UV regions the average power may approach 1 MW. Configurations using segmented apertures permit essentially unlimited scaling of average power. High average power is achieved by configuring the nonlinear material as a set of thin plates with a large ratio of surface area to volume, and cooling the exposed surfaces with a flowing gas. The design and material fabrication of such a harmonic generator is well within current technology.

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