Optimization of type-II frequency doubling of spatial and temporal limited laser light in nonlinear crystals

Type-II frequency doubling of short Gaussian laser pulses is studied theoretically. The situation is analysed when the group velocity mismatch and the walk-off angle of the interacting waves limit the frequency conversion efficiency. It is shown that with collinear ‘o’ and ‘e’ polarized fundamental waves a temporal and spatial separation of the fundamental beams is necessary to compensate for both effects. Results of the presented model are discussed for KDP crystals.