High-power waveguide converters

Large-mode-area waveguides for high-power frequency conversion

Waveguides allow efficient frequency conversion as they keep light focused over their entire propagation length. For the best performance, the mode-profile diameter should be as small as possible to achieve a maximum field enhancement. On the other hand, the internal light intensity must not exceed the host materials damage threshold. Thus, a careful balance between maximum input power, mode-field diameter and host material is indispensable to get to best performance out of a waveguide-based frequency converter. Large-mode-area waveguides have a rather large mode field diameter (> 10 µm), which allows high-power (several Watts) light guidance.

Fraunhofer IPM as one-stop shop for high-power waveguide converters

Fraunhofer IPM has established a full technology chain in-house for high-power waveguide converters: In-house periodic poling technology for nonlinear optical media like lithium niobate or lithium tantalate allows to phase match any desired target wavelengths. Using In-house direct-laser writing of large-mode-area waveguides via ultrafast laser pulses in the bulk periodically-poled lithium niobate and lithium tantalate provide flexibility for fully customized waveguide designs at short turnaround times. Our technology portfolio is completed by an in-house optical workshop for end-facet polishing. For waveguide testing, we have access to almost any wavelength in the range between 300 nm and 3,4 µm.