Enhancement of the second-harmonic efficiency in segmented KTP waveguides using an external temperature gradient

Summary form only given. Second-harmonic generation using quasi-phase matching (QPM) in a periodically segmented waveguide is one of the processes used to generate a blue laser beam. We report on the effects of an external temperature gradient on the second-harmonic field generated in segmented optical waveguides fabricated in KTiOPO/sub 4/ by Rb-Ba ion exchange using a cw Ti:sapphire laser as the source of the fundamental radiation. The second-harmonic output is proportional to the square of the interaction length.