Efficient phase-matched second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency mixing in urea

Abstract

The performance of urea as a new nonlinear optical crystal for phase-matched second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency mixing in the UV is reported. Tunable radiation down to 229 nm was obtained. In particular, efficient doubling at room temperature of CW argon laser lines from 488 to 528 nm was achieved. The nonlinear coefficient of urea was measured and found to be 2.5 times that of ADP. Angle tuning curves for type II SHG, several type II frequency mixing schemes, temperature tuning data, and comparison to other nonlinear materials are presented. More accurate Sellmeier constants were also obtained using the measured angle tuning curve for type I SHG.