Wavelength Conversion Devices Using Periodic Domain-Inverted Structures and Their Applications to Photonic Networks

Abstract

Recent progress in waveguide-type quasi-phase matched (QPM) nonlinear-optic wavelength conversion devices is reviewed with emphasis on research work of the author's group. A new technique for forming periodic domain-inverted structures in optical-damage-resistant MgO:LiNbO₃ crystal is presented. Improvements of conversion efficiencies of QPM second-harmonic generation (SHG) and difference-frequency generation (DFG) devices are demonstrated. Experimental works toward applications to photonic network systems are reviewed, including those with the cascaded SHG-DFG wavelength conversion as well as the fundamental DFG wavelength conversion.