Mirrorless OPO: first steps towards unlocking the potential of counter-propagating three-wave interactions

In this work we present the development of the sub-micron ferroelectric domain structuring technology in KTiOPO4. We used these structures to demonstrate second-order interactions involving counter-propagating waves. Of special interest is the mirrorless optical parametric oscillator, where distributed feedback between the counter-propagating signal and idler waves obviates the need for mirrors, surface coatings or precise cavity alignment. Mirrorless optical parametric oscillator also demonstrates some unique and useful spectral properties. These experimental demonstrations are but first steps towards a number of tantalizing applications which, however, require even smaller ferroelectric domain periodicities and further work on the material structuring technology.

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