SBIR Phase I: Ytterbium-Doped Stoichiometric Lithium Niobate for Self-Frequency Conversion Lasers

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目将展示基于镱（Yb）掺杂化学计量比的锂酸盐（SLN）晶体的新激光辐射源的潜力。 掺Yb的SLN晶体将同时用作激光器和非线性频率转换器，从而能够在简单、紧凑的设备中产生宽范围的波长。 作为一种活性激光离子，Yb具有高效的二极管泵浦、低热负载和最小的激光辐射再吸收的优点。 这种激光辐射可以通过锂酸盐固有的非线性光学效应转换为各种感兴趣的波长。 最近的发展，准相位匹配技术在锂的钛酸盐增加了效率和范围的波长，可以产生的非线性光学频率转换。 使用化学计量比的锂酸盐超过常规的全等锂酸盐导致经由电场极化的准相位匹配结构的制造更容易，以及更高的功率处理能力。Yb激光、准相位匹配频率转换以及SLN在一个单晶中的制造和功率处理的组合优势将使得能够实现当前不可用的波长的新的激光辐射源。这将使新的激光器的特点是重量轻，结构紧凑，有效的操作，和光谱的多功能性。商业应用包括开发用于非实验室环境的人眼安全激光器，如测距仪，激光测绘和污染监测。还可能存在重要的医疗应用。

This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project will demonstrate the potential of new sources of laser radiation based on ytterbium (Yb) doped stoichiometric lithium niobate (SLN) crystals. The Yb-doped SLN crystal will serve as both the laser and nonlinear frequency converter to enable the production of a broad range of wavelengths in a simple, compact device. As an active lasing ion, Yb has the advantages of efficient diode pumping, low thermal loading, and minimal reabsorption of laser radiation. This laser radiation can be converted to various wavelengths of interest via nonlinear optical effects that are intrinsic to lithium niobate. Recent developments in quasi-phase matching techniques in lithium niobate have increased both the efficiency and range of wavelengths that can be generated by nonlinear optical frequency conversion. The use of stoichiometric lithium niobate over conventional congruent lithium niobate leads to greater ease in fabrication of quasi-phase matched structures via electric field poling, and higher power handling capabilities. The combined advantages of Yb lasing, quasi-phase matched frequency conversion, and fabrication and power handling of SLN in one single crystal will enable the realization of new sources of laser radiation at wavelengths not currently available. This will make possible new lasers characterized by lightweight, compact construction, efficient operation, and spectral versatility. Commercial applications include the development of eye safe lasers for non-laboratory environments such as range finders, laser surveying and mapping, and pollution monitoring. Significant medical applications also may exist.