title: Intracavity parametric generation of nanosecond terahertz radiation using quasi-phase-matching.
abstract: We report the use of quasi-phase-matching techniques based on periodically-poled MgO:LiNbO(3) for the generation of nanosecond duration pulses of terahertz radiation in intracavity optical parametric oscillators. Multiple idler-waves are generated with temporal studies indicating that the initiating process is the expected parametric down-conversion, but followed by cascaded difference frequency generation. A number of grating geometries have been explored, revealing the presence of dual solutions for the quasi-phase-matching process in the general case. Choice of grating parameters so as to minimize oscillation threshold while simultaneously ensuring effective extraction of the THz radiation is considered.
authors.affiliation: J. F. Allen Research Laboratories, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, UK. dw32@st-andrews.ac.uk
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Peter G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: Malcolm H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: Cameron F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Rae
mesh_terms: D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008277:Magnesium Oxide; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D009556:Niobium; D010087:Oxides; D011827:Radiation; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
chemical_list: D010087:Oxides; D009556:Niobium; C091692:lithium niobate; D008277:Magnesium Oxide