Efficient frequency tripling for high-average power UV lasers

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High-precision laser material processing has become an indispensable process in the manufacturing of electronic devices such as integrated circuits, solar cells, flat panel displays, and sensors. Such lasers typically require picosecond pulsed radiation in the ultraviolet or visible range, however direct emission from solid-state media at these wavelengths is challenging due to the lack of suitable materials. Thus, in order to enhance this process, the output of infrared lasers is often converted into the ultraviolet range using a number of frequency conversion techniques with moderate efficiency. The aim of this Engage project is to significantly increase the conversion efficiency of industrial laser systems by employing a newly developed method. In particular, it has been recently discovered that adiabatic processes, taking advantage of the autoresonance effect, show high potential towards optical frequency conversion, thus suggesting alternative efficient schemes. An important advantage of this technology is that it is compatible with conventional nonlinear optical crystals and can be implemented with minimal changes to conventional setups. Within this six-month Engage project, and in collaboration with our industrial partner (Passat Ltd.) we aim to offer an innovative versatile solution to efficient frequency mixing generation (i.e. Second Harmonic, Third Harmonic and Sum Frequency Generation) by inducing an adiabatic temperature distribution along a nonlinear crystal, and thus control the phase-matching conditions. The results of this project will redefine the state-of-the-art in laser frequency conversion, creating a new paradigm and placing Canada in a position of international leadership. Furthermore, the successful realization of this Engage project will pave the way for Passat Ltd. to employ laser manufacturing processes in order to meet the stringent standards set by their demanding customers while increasing their products' competitiveness on the market. The new knowledge generated together with the training of highly qualified personnel will contribute to enhance Canada's global competitiveness in the most advanced high-technology sectors.