Efficient parametric amplification via simultaneous second harmonic generation

We introduce a concept for efficient optical parametric amplification (OPA) based on simultaneously phase-matched idler second harmonic generation (SHG), which together exhibits the dynamical behavior of parametric amplification but with damped conversion-back-conversion cycles. This enables amplification efficiency exceeding that of conventional OPA by several-fold for femtosecond and picosecond signal pulses with bell-shaped intensity profiles by allowing a near-uniform spatiotemporal depletion of the pump wave. We develop a Duffing oscillator model that unifies the description of conventional OPA and amplification accompanied by idler photon displacement by either linear absorption or SHG. A spatiotemporal analysis of devices based on birefringent or superlattice quasi-phase matching in common bulk media predicts energy conversion up to 55%. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

The concept of efficient optical parametric amplification (OPA) based on simultaneously phase-matched idler second harmonic generation (SHG) is introduced, which allows for amplification efficiency exceeding that of conventional OPA. A Duffing oscillator model is developed to unify the description of conventional OPA and amplification accompanied by idler photon displacement. A spatiotemporal analysis predicts energy conversion up to 55% in devices based on birefringent or superlattice quasi-phase matching in common bulk media.