Efficient channel waveguide device for difference-frequency mixing of diode lasers

Summary form only given. We designed and fabricated a three-stage integrated channel waveguide array in periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) using the process of annealed proton exchange (APE). Our choice of fabrication conditions, as well as theoretical predictions of waveguide performance, were based on a prior systematic study of refractive index profiles and dispersion of planar APE waveguides. The channel waveguide array was used to produce continuous-wave, single-frequency tunable 2.8-/spl mu/m radiation for spectroscopic applications, by difference-frequency mixing of diode lasers at 790 nm and 1096 nm, each operated at 150 mW output power.