Grating-induced slow-light enhancement of second-harmonic generation in periodically poled crystals

The effect of slow light on second-harmonic generation in a periodically poled chi((2)) nonlinear medium is investigated theoretically. A linear pi phase-shifted grating is used to slow the group velocity of the fundamental frequency, and the resulting field enhancement greatly increases the second-harmonic conversion efficiency. A second linear grating at the input end ensures that all output is in the forward direction. We show that almost 100% conversion efficiency can be achieved for continuous wave pumping at low intensities that generate negligible conversion in the absence of the slow-light grating.

Automated summary

In this study, the effect of slow light on second-harmonic generation in a periodically poled chi((2)) nonlinear medium is investigated theoretically. A linear pi phase-shifted grating is used to slow down the group velocity of the fundamental frequency, resulting in a significant increase in the efficiency of second-harmonic conversion. The research shows that almost 100% conversion efficiency can be achieved for continuous wave pumping at low intensities.