Open AccessContinuously phase-matched terahertz difference frequency generation in an embedded-waveguide structure supporting only fundamental modes
Author(s) -
C. Staus,
T. F. Kuech,
L. McCaughan
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.013296
Subject(s) - optics , terahertz radiation , diffraction efficiency , diffraction , phase (matter) , energy conversion efficiency , waveguide , phase matching , materials science , optoelectronics , physics , laser , quantum mechanics
We demonstrate an all-single mode structure which enables continuous phase matching of difference frequency generated THz light from the near-IR. This structure provides a long interaction length by way of well-confined collinear propagation of pumps and product without diffraction, resulting in high conversion efficiency. A LiNbO(3) version of this structure achieved a power-normalized conversion efficiency of 1.3 x 10(-7) W(-1)--some 23 times larger than the largest previously reported results.