Periodically Poled Stoichiometric Lithium Tantalate for Nonlinear Optical Frequency Conversion

This proposed research effort program will enable new sources of laser radiation from the near uv through the mid-IR. This will be accomplished by growth and characterization of large high-quality stoichiometric lithium tantalate crystals anddemonstration of the superior performance of these crystals in nonlinear optical frequency conversion of well established laser sources via quasi-phase matching. Quasi-phase matched devices base on stoichiometric lithium niobate have applications ingeneration of laser wavelengths not currently readily availble from blue generation for laser projection displays, mid-IR wavelengths for medical lasers and remote sensing of chemical and biological agents. Periodically poled devices are also used forwavelength channel switching and line switching in telecommunications.