Second-harmonic generation using planar waveguides with consideration of pump depletion and absorption

Abstract
We discuss phase-matched second-harmonic generation by evanescent field interaction in waveguiding structures. Both losses for fundamental and harmonic waves as well as pump depletion are considered in a system of coupled first-order differential equations describing the spatial evolution of the field amplitudes of fundamental and second-harmonic waves. Realistic values for absorption losses and second-harmonic generation conversion based on susceptibility data for highly nonlinear Langmuir–Blodgett thin solid films permit the determination of optimum device dimensions. Recently available experimental results let us expect that such a frequency doubler of centimeter size should allow conversion efficiencies in the percent range on excitation with IR pulses of 100-W peak power.