| dc.description.abstract | Compact, multi-function yet efficient optical devices are in great demand in many photonics and laser systems and applications. The ingenious integration of the unique electro-optic (EO) effects of a quasi-phase-matching (QPM) material with its capability of performing efficient nonlinear frequency conversion has led to the development of many attractive monolithic multi-function devices. To continue and extend these efforts and achievements, several advanced integrated photonics and laser devices of capable of performing multiple optical functions based on periodically and aperiodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN/APLN) devices were studied and demonstrated in this dissertation work. They were realized upon the idea of manipulation of the engineerable domain structure of a QPM crystal to optimize performing the prescribed EO and nonlinear-optic (NLO) processes simultaneously to achieve the multi-function operation in photonics and laser systems. These devices are of potential for applications in optical communications, optical storages, biomedicine, displays, remote sensing, etc.
In chapter 1, the motivation and background introduction of this study will be given, while in chapter 2, the theory and working principles of EO QPM devices will be introduced. In chapter 3, the design, construction, and experimental demonstration of a laser-diode-pumped, electro-optically internal-Q-switched laser system radiating at 1.085 μm fabricated using a periodically poled Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 (Nd:MgO:PPLN) crystal will be detailed. In chapter 4, a design scheme for and the first experimental demonstration of active narrowband multi-wavelength filters based on APLN crystal will be presented. In chapter 5, a novel electro-optically Q-switched intracavity second-harmonic generation (SHG) Nd:YVO4 laser by using a single-grating-structure APLN crystal optimized for simultaneously performing a laser Q-switch and a second-harmonic generator will be revealed and characterized. In chapter 6, a gain-enhanced and spectral-narrowed optical parametric oscillator based on a monolithic PPLN integrating an optical parametric generator with two electro-optically active polarization-mode converters will be reported. Unique spectral manipulation of the OPO signal will also be demonstrated. The summary and outlook of this work will finally be given in chapters 7 and 8, respectively.
The success of these demonstrations will certainly be a significant step in advancing the nonlinear integrated optics essential for various applications. The study and development of several derived and advanced nonlinear integrated photonics and laser devices are under way.
| en_US |