Design methodology for efficient frequency conversion in Bragg reflection lasers

Abstract

Bragg reflection waveguides are shown to be structures that can enable the integration of a laser and optically nonlinear medium within the same cavity for efficient frequency conversion. An effective and simple method of designing phase-matched laser structures utilizing transfer matrix analysis is described. The structures are first optimized in terms of laser performance and then for enhancement of χ 2 nonlinearity. The method for optimization shows that designing for either optimum laser performance or optimum nonlinear performance can conflict. An efficiency term encompassing the requirements of both the laser and nonlinear element is derived. This serves as a figure of merit that includes parameters relevant to both the laser and the nonlinear device. It is then utilized to optimize the structure for efficient parametric conversion. This figure of merit is extended to examine parametric oscillation in the laser cavity for both singly resonant and doubly resonant configurations. It is found that threshold values of 4 W in a practical device can be obtained. Such power levels are easily obtained by mode locking the pump laser. With reduced propagation loss through etch and design improvement, sub-Watt thresholds can be realized.

Semi-automatic engineering and tailoring of high-efficiency Bragg-reflection waveguide samples for quantum photonic applications

“…The indices p, s and i denote the pump, signal and idler modes. Furthermore, we require that the three-mode spatial overlap [30,[44][45][46]…”

Tuning parametric processes in semiconductor diode lasers

“…As the current laser is designed for nonlinear conversion, the laser efficiency was given up in part in exchange for efficient conversion efficiency. Some of the design trade-offs in designing such structures were discussed previously [10]. The modal propagation loss was measured to be 14.3/cm using the cut back method [14].…”

“…This is in part due to the extensive reach of the optical field of the Bragg mode within the cladding, which yields to larger overlap with the doped layers. This extended field offers higher nonlinear conversion efficiency [10]. Figure 3(a) also shows the voltage drop of the devices with injected current.…”

“…Recently, parametric generation and nonlinear conversion have been demonstrated in this platform [1][2][3][4][6][7][8]. Bragg reflection waveguide lasers (BRLs) have also been demonstrated [9] and used for self-pumped spontaneous parametric downconversion (self-pumped SPDC) [9][10][11]. Self-pumped difference frequency generation (DFG) in BRLs promises monolithically integrated, widely tunable sources of coherent radiation at room temperature.…”

Static and dynamic characteristics of integrated semiconductor optical parametric oscillators

“…Some SOPO design trade-offs, including the OPO threshold power, have been studied recently [18]. This recent study focused on time-invariant properties, where the static operating regimes and dynamics of power exchange in the SOPO were left unexamined.…”