Periodically poled near-stoichiometric lithium tantalate for optical parametric oscillation

A 35-mm-long periodically poled device was fabricated from a near-stoichiometric lithium tantalate, and optical parametric oscillation was demonstrated with a low oscillation threshold (106 mW). The emitted signal and idler wavelengths were 1.53-1.63 and 3.06-3.49 mum, respectively, and the highest slope conversion efficiency was 65% with a maximum output power of 628 mW at 1.1 W pumping. The influence of Curie temperature inhomogeneity on fabrication of the device was investigated to improve poling quality in long devices. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.