Applications of optical parametric downconversion : I. Self-phase locking, [and] II. Generation of entangled photon pairs in periodically-poled lithium niobate

Abstract

Nonlinear optics plays a key role in many applications not only as a means of frequency synthesis and control, but also as a source of twin photons and other nonclassical states of light. Advances in nonlinear materials, including engineered nonlinear interactions through the use of quasi-phase matching, have increased the flexibility and performance of many nonlinear optical devices. One of the devices presented in this thesis is a 2:1 frequency divider based on self-phase locking in a type-II phase matched optical parametric oscillator. This device is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Results are also presented on fabrication of periodically-poled nonlinear crystals for quasi-phase matching in lithium niobate and barium magnesium fluoride. Finally, a high-efficiency frequency-nondegenerate twin photon source is implemented in periodically-poled lithium niobate.