Theoretical research on terahertz wave generation from planar waveguide by optimized cascaded difference frequency generation

A novel scheme for high-efficiency terahertz(THz)wave generation based on optimized cascaded difference frequency generation(OCDFG)with planar waveguide is presented.The phase mismatches of each-order cascaded difference frequency generation(CDFG)are modulated by changing the thickness of the waveguide,resulting in a decrement of phase mismatches in cascaded Stokes processes and an increment of phase mismatches in cascaded anti-Stokes processes simultaneously.The modulated phase mismatches enhance the cascaded Stokes processes and suppress the cascaded anti-Stokes processes simultaneously,yielding energy conversion efficiencies over 25%from optical wave to THz wave at 100 K.     

级联差频产生太赫兹辐射的理论研究

针对差频产生太赫兹(THz)辐射转换效率低的缺点,提出了级联差频的新机理以提高转换效率,并以ZnTe晶体为例,对级联差频产生THz辐射的原理和过程进行了理论研究.通过对级联差频耦合波方程组的求解,得出了ZnTe晶体中级联差频的最佳抽运条件和ZnTe晶体的最佳长度,并且分析了晶体吸收、波矢失配及抽运强度对级联差频的影响.计算结果表明,通过级联差频可以大大提高THz波的转换效率,其光子转换效率甚至可以超过Manley-Rowe关系的限制. 关键词： 太赫兹辐射 差频 级联 ZnTe晶体     

Proposal and simulation for all-optical format conversion between differential phase-shift keying signals based on cascaded second-order nonlinearities

We propose and simulate simple realizations of all-optical format conversion between differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) signals based on cascaded second-order nonlinearities in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide. Four kinds of 40 Gb/s all-optical format conversion from non-return-to-zero differential phase-shift keying (NRZ-DPSK) to return-to-zero differential phase-shift keying (RZ-DPSK) are investigated based on cascaded second-harmonic generation and difference-frequency generation (cSHG/DFG) or cascaded sum- and difference-frequency generation (cSFG/DFG). The optical spectra, temporal waveforms, eye diagrams, constellation diagrams, and time-related phase distribution are analyzed, which indicate successful implementation of NRZ-DPSK-to-RZ-DPSK format conversion. The obtained results also confirm the phase preservation characteristic of PPLN.     

Phase-erased wavelength/format conversion and demodulation of 40 Gbit/s DPSK assisted by periodically poled lithium niobate

We report a novel phase-erased demodulation of differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) by exploiting cascaded second-harmonic generation and difference-frequency generation (cSHG/DFG) in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide. Analytical solutions are derived to clearly describe the operation principle. The binary optical phase information carried by the conventional DPSK demodulation outputs is removed thanks to the cSHG/DFG in a PPLN waveguide. PPLN-assisted phase-erased wavelength conversion and demodulation of 40 Gbit/s non-return-to-zero DPSK (NRZ-DPSK), return-to-zero DPSK (RZ-DPSK), and carrier-suppressed return-to-zero DPSK (CSRZ-DPSK) are demonstrated in the experiment. Moreover, the accompanying all-optical format conversions from optical duobinary (ODB) to NRZ and from ODB/alternate-mark inversion (AMI) to RZ are also substantiated in the experiment. In addition, the calculated theoretical results including optical spectra, temporal waveforms, and phase diagrams also confirm the successful implementation of PPLN-assisted 40 Gbit/s NRZ-DPSK/RZ-DPSK/CSRZ-DPSK phase-erased wavelength conversion, demodulation, and ODB-to-NRZ and ODB/AMI-to-RZ format conversions.     

High idler conversion with an intracavity optical parametric oscillator and difference frequency generation

Tunable mid IR generation is analyzed with an optical parametric oscillator (OSO) and difference frequency generation (DFG) based on two periodically poled gratings. To obtain chirped-pulse amplification techniques, in the difference frequency generation the group-velocity must be matched. If grating periods are selected, appropriately, the wider tunable range of output pulse can be obtained. Because the group velocity is matched, the parametric bandwidth and the maximum effective length will be enhanced. We theoretically demonstrate high idler conversion in a femtosecond optical parametric oscillators with two different and cascaded periodically poled gratings. In the first grating the signal and the idler 1 are generated, while in the second one, the midwave infrared idler 2 is generated. The dependence of the lengths of the two cavities on the conversion efficiency is discussed.     

PPLN-based all-optical 40 Gbit/s ODB/AMI/FSK wavelength conversion and FSK logic NOT gate

We propose and demonstrate all-optical wavelength conversion for optical duobinary (ODB), alternate-mark inversion (AMI), and frequency-shift keying (FSK) signals and a logic NOT gate for a FSK signal based on cascaded second-harmonic generation and difference-frequency generation (cSHG/DFG) in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide. ODB/AMI/FSK are generated from the demodulation of differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) using one-bit-delay fiber delay interferometer (FDI). PPLN-based 40 Gbit/s ODB/AMI/FSK wavelength conversion and FSK logic NOT gate are simultaneously implemented in the experiment.     

Experimental observation of all-optical non-return-to-zero-to-return-to-zero format conversion based on cascaded second-order nonlinearity assisted by active mode-locking

We report the experimental demonstration of all-optical format conversion by exploiting the cascaded second-harmonic generation and difference-frequency generation (cSHG/DFG) in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide assisted by the reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA)-based active mode-locking. 10 and 20 Gbit/s format conversions from non-return-to-zero (NRZ) to return-to-zero (RZ) are successfully observed. Two schemes with either the NRZ signal or the pump optical clock set at the quasi-phase matching (QPM) wavelength are both verified in the experiment.     

Double quasi phase matching for both optical parametric oscillator and difference frequency generation

We present simultaneous phase matching of optical parametric oscillator (OPO) and difference frequency generation (DFG), using a noncollinear interaction in periodically poled crystal with single grating. Selecting proper grating period Λ and titled angle ξ between the grating vector G and the optical axis of crystal, the noncollinear scheme provides double phase matching solutions over continuous regions of the midwave infrared spectrum. At certain wavelength regions, for DFG process the group velocities between interaction pulses are matching and the phase matching bandwidth reaches maximum. Selecting the different grating period, the broadband midwave tuning and better gain spectrum can be obtained at different wavelength range. For the certain period grating the conversion efficiency is higher. Hence, using the double phase matching configuration, the broadband tunable midwave infrared wave can be produced in single grating. But the configurations have a relatively narrow angular bandwidth.     

Design and analysis of a metallic waveguide with a DAST cap for continuously phase-matched terahertz difference frequency generation

We present a novel source for continuous terahertz (THz) wave generation using an organic ionic salt, 4-dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium-tosylate (DAST). THz waves are generated based on difference frequency generation (DFG) in the device. Phase matching condition and THz generation between 1.3 THz and 2.7 THz, for optical pump around 1.6 μm, are investigated. Our calculations predict that the device produces a relatively high THz output power of 11.07 μW from a 4 cm long waveguide at 2 THz.     

Flexible all-optical wavelength conversions of 1.57-ps pulses exploiting cascaded sum- and difference frequency generation (cSFG/DFG) in a PPLN waveguide

Flexible all-optical wavelength conversions of ps-pulses based on cascaded sum- and difference frequency generation (cSFG/DFG) are proposed and experimentally demonstrated using a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide. The pulsed signal, with a 40 GHz repetition rate and a 1.57 ps pulse width is adopted. Fixed-in variable-out (tunable), variable-in fixed-out and variable-in variable-out wavelength conversions are successfully realized with three proposed tuning schemes. Both wavelength down- and up-conversion are simultaneously observed. PACS 42.65.Ky; 42.65.Wi; 42.65.Re     

Creation of multi-frequency terahertz waves by optimized cascaded difference frequency generation

A new scheme which generates multi-frequency terahertz (THz) waves from planar waveguide by the optimized cascaded difference frequency generation (OCDFG) is proposed. A THz wave with frequency ω_T1 is generated by the OCDFG with two infrared pump waves, and simultaneously a series of cascaded optical waves with a frequency interval ω_T1 is generated. The THz wave with a frequency of M-times ω_T1 is generated by mixing the m-th-order and the (m+M)-th-order cascaded optical wave. The phase mismatch distributions of cascaded difference frequency generation (CDFG) are modulated by changing the thickness of planar waveguide step by step, thereby satisfying the phase-matching condition from first-order to high-order cascaded Stokes process step by step. As a result, the intensity of THz wave can be enhanced and modulated by controlling the cascading order of OCDFG.     

Bandwidth enhancement and response flattening of cascaded sum- and difference-frequency generation-based wavelength conversion

We investigate bandwidth enhancement and response flattening of wavelength conversion based on cascaded sum-frequency generation and difference-frequency generation (SFG/DFG) in quasi-phase-matched periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides by use of two pump lights. Analysis shows that the conversion properties deeply depend on the pump settings. The bandwidth is efficiently enhanced by augmenting the pump wavelength difference. The critical bandwidth corresponding to the response fluctuation of 1 dB in a 3-cm-long waveguide reaches 80-90 nm, which is enough to cover the entire conventional-band and long-wavelength-band. The cascaded SFG/DFG bandwidth is about 24% broader than that of the cascaded second-harmonic generation and difference-frequency generation-based configuration with the same waveguide length. However, the response fluctuation is also enhanced together with the bandwidth enhancement. The method of pump detuning is presented to flatten the response fluctuation. The fluctuation is reduced by more than 1 dB and it can be further reduced by increasing the pump detuning value with a little efficiency penalty.     

基于飞秒锁模光纤激光脉冲基频光的差频产生红外光梳

报道了一种基于飞秒锁模光纤激光脉冲基频光的光纤型差频产生(DFG)红外光梳及其研制技术.基于自主研制的重频锁定200 MHz飞秒锁模掺铒光纤激光器,经啁啾脉冲光纤放大与超连续谱产生技术,优化近零色散OFS光纤(型号:OFS-980-20)长度,结合可调延时线,获得了精准同步的基频双色脉冲;以GaSe为非线性晶体,利用光整流技术,产生了可在6—10μm范围内宽带调谐的DFG红外光梳,光梳最大光谱宽度可达1.3μm.这种光纤型远红外光梳可望在分子光谱精密测量等领域发挥重要作用.     

Widely tunable 3.4 microm band difference frequency generation using apodized chi(2) grating

We achieved apodization in a quasi-phase-matched wavelength converter. The new design yields a large bandwidth and a flat phase-matching response with a high conversion efficiency. Using the method, we demonstrate widely tunable 3.4 microm band difference frequency generation in a LiNbO3 ridge waveguide.     

准相位匹配级联二阶非线性全光波长转换研究

对基于级联和频差频非线性效应铌酸锂光波导新型全光波长转换器进行了理论研究。这种新型波长变换器需要两束抽运光源,它将输入的抽运光波长置于信号光波段窗口的两边,抽运光波长与信号光波长相近容易实现最佳耦合又不会占用信号波段,而且具有偏振不敏感的优点。从建立级联和频差频铌酸锂光波导全光波长转换器的理论模型出发,给出了波导中光相互作用的耦合模方程;利用逐步法详细推导了耦合模方程的解,得出了物理意义清晰的转换光功率表达式,分析了非线性晶体相互作用长度、抽运光功率对转换效率的影响,为级联和频差频铌酸锂光波导全光波长转换器优化设计提供了理论依据。     

Wavelength conversion in a Ti:PPSMgLN channel waveguide

A periodically poled titanium (Ti)-diffusion waveguide in near-stoichiometric MgO:LiNbO₃ (SMgLN) was fabricated that exhibits a second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of 63%. The device shows very high resistance to photorefractive damage at room temperature. All optical wavelength conversion by difference frequency generation (DFG) has been demonstrated in a periodically poled SMgLN (PPSMgLN) with Ti-diffusion channel waveguides. The wavelength conversion efficiency was measured to be −7.3 dB with the pump power of 150 mW and the signal power of 50 mW at room temperature.     

Cascaded wavelength conversions based on sum-frequency generation and difference-frequency generation

A novel wavelength conversion scheme based on cascaded sum-frequency generation (SFG) and difference-frequency generation (DFG) is proposed and demonstrated in a MgO-doped LiNbO3 quasi-phase-matched waveguide. In this scheme, two pump wavelengths are set outside the communication band. It is shown that the same conversion efficiency can be achieved by use of two pump sources with lower output power (P1, P2) in this scheme compared with the conventional cascaded wavelength conversion technique based on second-harmonic generation and DFG with a single higher-power pump beam (P = P1 + P2) that is due to the use of a larger SFG nonlinear coefficient. The results significantly influence the selection of a suitable nonlinear interaction scheme for practical applications.     

THz generation by a suspended hybrid plasmonic waveguide

We present a suspended waveguide consists of a double hybrid plasmonic waveguide for the purpose of enhancing the conversion efficiency of terahertz (THz) wave generation using difference frequency generation process. We show that in the THz generation process, metal-air-metal waveguide facilitates the phase matching and reduces the propagation loss. Our numerical calculation shows that the conversion efficiency in these waveguide structures can be more than one order of magnitude larger than what has been achieved using regular metal-dielectric-metal waveguides.     

Widely tunable midinfrared difference frequency generation in orientation-patterned GaAs pumped with a femtosecond Tm-fiber system

We demonstrate a midinfrared source tunable from 6.7 to 12.7 μm via difference frequency generation (DFG) in orientation-patterned GaAs, with 1.3 mW average output power. The input pulses are generated via Raman self-frequency shift of a femtosecond Tm-doped-fiber laser system in a fluoride fiber. We numerically model the DFG process and show good agreement between simulations and experiments. We use this numerical model to show an improved design using longer pump pulses.     

Coherent vacuum ultraviolet generation by frequency mixing in glass hollow waveguides

Efficiency for vuv generation in a glass hollow waveguide has been compared with that obtained by tight focussing of the primary radiation. Coherent vuv radiation is generated by resonant four-wave difference frequency mixing and four-wave parametric processes in xenon. At vuv wavelengths close to the 5p-6s resonance, the efficiency of generation was found to be enhanced by a factor of up to 2.5 under phase-matched conditions. The measured enhancement is limited by losses due to absorption of the generated radiation and by propagation losses of the primary beams along the waveguide.