Zinc-indiffused MgO:PPLN waveguides for blue/UV generation via VECSEL pumping

Abstract

We present the design and characterization of a zinc-indiffused periodically poled lithium-niobate ridge waveguide for second-harmonic generation of ∼ 390 n m light from 780 nm. We use a newly developed, broadband near-infrared vertical external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) to investigate the potential for lower-footprint nonlinear optical pump sources as an alternative to larger commercial laser systems. We demonstrate a VECSEL with an output power of 500 mW, containing an intracavity birefringent filter for spectral narrowing and wavelength selection. In this first demonstration of using a VECSEL to pump a nonlinear waveguide, we present the ability to generate 1 mW of ∼ 390 n m light with further potential for increased efficiency and size reduction.

Continuous ultraviolet to blue-green astrocomb

“…Our results also extend the understanding of MgO:PPLN ridge waveguide devices for ultraviolet/blue generation 28 . While mechanically fabricated MgO:PPLN waveguides have been shown to be damage resilient and capable of multi-watt average power handling 29 , in comparison to emerging thin-film lithium niobate waveguides 30 , their larger cross-sectional areas are not intrinsically single-mode for visible wavelengths.…”

High power 739 nm VECSELs for future Yb+ ion cooling

“…For use in ion cooling and trapping, in order to achieve the desired 100 µW of optical power in the UV [9], a total conversion efficiency of only ∼0.07% would be required from the VECSEL emission of 150 mW. In reference [8] we have superseded this efficiency figure whereby 1 mW of SHG signal was generated from 390 mW of VECSEL power, yielding a basic conversion efficiency of 0.26 %. Furthermore, the demonstrated beam profile of the laser at 739 nm shows excellent overlap with a fundamental Gaussian profile and hence lends itself well to future waveguide coupling.…”

375-400nm UV Generation via an Alexandrite Laser and Zn-Indiffused MgO-Doped PPLN Waveguides

“…Diodepumped Alexandrite lasers have become a low-cost and simple approach to achieving multi-watt powers in the near-infrared at around 720-800nm [1]. Zn-indiffused MgO-doped PPLN waveguides have recently demonstrated impressive second harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiencies in the near-infrared [2] as well as conversion into the UV with doubling to 390nm recently reported [3]. Here we combine these features.…”