Invention:
This technology is an apparatus that uses a chirped pulse laser of wavelength λ1 combined with its second harmonic at λ2 to achieve a sum-frequency λ3. The chirp rate can be determined on a material basis and the process holds for λ2 = λ1/2, λ3 = λ1/3. This is achieved using nonlinear materials and the output is from a fiber source. Different material choices and λ2 chirp rates can be used relative to λ1 with repeatable input output conditions.
Background:
Nonlinear optical crystals are being used more and more in lasers and photonics. This technology is one example of how the field is being revolutionized by the application of such materials. It is known that a laser can be manipulated by nonlinear optical materials to create white light, or a range of frequencies. Chirped or broadband beam cannot satisfy the phasematching condition for efficient wavelength conversion. The idea in this technology can be a solution for that, by making some monochromatic source into the sum of it and its harmonic (λ3).
Applications:
- Pulse laser applications
- Telecommunications
Advantages:
- The ability to generate a sum-frequency of the two harmonics to make λ3
- Coming from a fiber source
- Options to use different materials and chirp rates to achieve different effects
