2.35 mJ signal energy, monolithic quasi-phase-matched optical parametric oscillator based on periodically-poled lithium niobate

Summary form only given. Periodically-poled LiNbO/sub 3/ (PPLN) has been widely used for quasi-phase-matched (QPM) nonlinear optical frequency conversion because of its large nonlinear coefficient, high optical quality, and its availability as a large diameter wafer. Here we demonstrate that diffusion-bonding of both the PPLN and single domain LN wafers is also an effective way to increase the effective aperture of PPLN. The diffusion-bonded PPLN was used for a QPM-OPO, and 2.35 mJ signal energy at 1.6 /spl mu/m was obtained with a high conversion efficiency (=38% slope efficiency) and good beam quality.