Quasi-phase-matched optical parametric amplification and oscillation in periodically poled LiNbO_3 waveguides

Abstract

We report quasi-phase-matched optical parametric amplification and oscillation in a periodically poled LiNbO(3) waveguide. Single-pass parametric gains of 4.1 dB, corresponding to 18%/W efficiency, were achieved at a signal wavelength of 1.55 microm with a pump wavelength of 782.2 nm. We formed a low-finesse cavity resonant at both signal and idler wavelengths by attaching mirrors to the waveguide end faces. Parametric oscillation was observed at wavelengths between 1.4 and 1.7 microm with a peak output power of 700 mW for pump wavelengths between 779 and 782 nm.