Phase-matched periodic electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation in optical fibers

Phase-matched electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation is demonstrated in single-mode germania-doped silica fibers. A periodic second-order nonlinearity is induced by a simple interdigitated electrode structure, which can be rotated to permit phase matching between all propagating modes. The most efficient mode interaction between HE11ω and HE112ω is achieved at 1.064 μm by using a Q-switched Nd+3:YAG laser. In principle, phase matching at any propagating wavelength is possible. This technique could be applied to planar as well as cylindrical waveguides and can be used with many non-χ(2) materials. The asymmetry in the applied electric field enhances the optical-field overlaps between modes of dissimilar orders, and this is also demonstrated. A conversion efficiency of 4.0 × 10−4% has been obtained in unoptimized devices. Device optimization is also discussed.