Quasi-phasematching for wavelength conversion and all-optical nonlinear processing

This course provides an overview and grounding in the use of quasi-phase matched materials in nonlinear optics. Quasi-phase matching (QPM) is emerging as a dominant technology for nonlinear optical frequency conversion in the visible and near-IR. By offering a large nonlinear susceptibility, non-critical phase matching and a tailored spectral response, it is allowing a wide range of new optical devices to be realized. The course will start by explaining the underlying concepts of QPM and reviewing the available materials, their advantages and disadvantages. Both bulk and waveguide QPM devices will be covered. The course will make use of worked examples of real devices that will be presented to explain their operation. These examples will draw on experiments in harmonic generation, fiber-pumped OPOs, and telecomm wavelength conversion in waveguide PPLN. The commercial and scientific uses of QPM devices will be reviewed. Finally, the market potential of QPM devices will be discussed. The markets and opportunities in telecommunications, infra-red countermeasures, scientific, and displays will be considered