Simultaneous electro-optic spectral switching and Q switching in a dual-wavelength Nd:YVO₄ laser based on an aperiodic optical superlattice lithium niobate

Abstract

We report the demonstration of an electro-optic (EO) switchable dual-wavelength (1064- and 1342-nm) Nd:YVO4 laser based on an aperiodically poled lithium niobate (APPLN) chip whose domain structure is designed using aperiodic optical superlattice (AOS) technology. The APPLN works as a wavelength-dependent EO polarization-state controller in the polarization-dependent laser gain system to enable switching among multiple laser spectra simply by voltage control. When the APPLN device is driven by a voltage-pulse train modulating between a VHQ (in which target laser lines obtain gain) and a VLQ (in which laser lines are gain suppressed), the unique laser system can produce Q-switched laser pulses at dual wavelengths 1064 and 1342 nm, single wavelength 1064 nm, and single wavelength 1342 nm, as well as their non-phase-matched sum-frequency and second-harmonic generations at VHQ = 0, 267, and 895 V, respectively. A laser can benefit from such a novel, to the best of our knowledge, simultaneous EO spectral switching and Q switching mechanisms to increase its processing speed and multiplexity for versatile applications.