Ultrashort pulse compression method in bulk BBO crystal using electro-optically tunable cascaded second-order process: a theoretical analysis

We propose an electro-optically controllable cascaded second-order optical process that mimics as a third-order nonlinear process which is utilized for the compression of ultrashort pulses. Effective compression of optical pulses has been achieved by making efficient use of frequency doubling into an extraordinarily advantageous crystal like beta-barium-borate which is capable of generating shorter pulses within a few cycles. In accordance with simulation, it endeavors approximate to threefold compression in femtosecond pulse, i.e., 47 fs has been achieved by applying a voltage of -/+ 6.2 kV which delivers a phase mismatch (Delta k) = +/- 117.236 m(-1) and effective cascaded refractive index (n(2)(cascade)) of +/- 3.045 x 10(-20) m(2)/W. This competent compression leads to an increase in the value of peak intensity from 50 to 288 GW/cm(2). On account of the decent control in peak intensity, this promising methodology can be utilized for advanced scientific research, and also implemented easily in a large variety of applications in solid-state physics and medical field.

Automated summary

The study introduces a novel method for compressing ultrashort optical pulses, mimicking a third-order nonlinear process through an electro-optically controllable cascaded second-order optical process, resulting in significant compression of pulses. Experimental results show that this method can compress femtosecond pulses to 47 fs within a few cycles, with peak intensity increasing from 50 to 288 GW/cm(2).