Title :
THz generation by cascaded optical down-conversion
Author :
Kozlov, V.G. ; Vodopyanov, K.L. ; Fejer, M.M. ; Lee, Y.S. ; Hurlbut, W.C.
Author_Institution :
Microtech Instrum. Inc., Eugene
Abstract :
We demonstrate THz generation in a cascaded optical down-conversion process, where each optical photon radiates several THz photons. This observation confirms that optical-to-THz conversion efficiency can potentially exceed Manley-Rowe limit imposed by the difference in optical and THz photon energies. The cascade process was observed in quasi-phase matched (QPM) periodic GaAs structures placed in a resonantly pumped optical parametric oscillator. Using a 10W pump laser system, we generated up to 1 mW of THz radiation, tunable in the range 0.5 -3 THz.
Keywords :
gallium arsenide; optical frequency conversion; optical parametric oscillators; optical wavelength conversion; submillimetre wave generation; GaAs; Manley-Rowe limit; THz generation; THz photon energies; cascaded optical down-conversion process; frequency 0.5 THz to 3 THz; optical parametric oscillator; optical photon; optical-to-THz conversion efficiency; periodic GaAs structures; power 10 W; pump laser system; quasi-phase matching; submillimetre wave generation; Gallium arsenide; Laser excitation; Nonlinear optics; Optical pumping; Oscillators; Periodic structures; Pump lasers; Quantum cascade lasers; Resonance; Tunable circuits and devices;
Conference_Titel :
Infrared Millimeter Waves and 14th International Conference on Teraherz Electronics, 2006. IRMMW-THz 2006. Joint 31st International Conference on
Conference_Location :
Shanghai
Print_ISBN :
1-4244-0400-2
Electronic_ISBN :
1-4244-0400-2
DOI :
10.1109/ICIMW.2006.368598
