Observation of a cascaded process in intracavity terahertz optical parametric oscillators based on lithium niobate.
Cascaded difference frequency generation has been observed in intracavity optical parametric oscillators based on bulk lithium niobate and producing nanosecond pulses of terahertz radiation. Two idler waves are generated, namely: the primary idler wave associated with the parametric down conversion process itself; and a secondary idler wave, due to difference frequency generation. Experimental investigations of the frequency, temporal evolution, propagation direction, intensity, phase matching and oscillation threshold of the generated down-converted waves are reported. The overall generation efficiency for the terahertz radiation is enhanced, thereby overcoming the Manley-Rowe limit. Advantages of the present approach over schemes based on periodically poled lithium niobate are identified.
J. F. Allen Research Laboratories, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SS, UK. clt6@st-andrews.ac.uk
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Thomson
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Dunn
D000669:Amplifiers, Electronic; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D009556:Niobium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D020349:Surface Plasmon Resonance / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055053:Terahertz Radiation
D010087:Oxides; D009556:Niobium; C091692:lithium niobate