Third-harmonic generation in positively dispersive gases with a novel cell

Frequency conversion to the telecom O-band using pressurized hydrogen

Large-scale quantum networks rely on optical fiber networks and photons as so-called flying qubits for information transport. While dispersion and absorption of optical fibers are minimum at the infrared telecom wavelengths, most atomic and solid state platforms operate at visible or near-infrared wavelengths. Quantum frequency conversion is required to bridge these two wavelength regimes, and nonlinear crystals are currently employed for this process. Here, we report a novel approach of frequency conversion to the telecom band. This interaction is based on coherent Stokes Raman scattering (CSRS), a four-wave mixing process resonantly enhanced in a dense molecular hydrogen gas. We show the conversion of photons from 863 nm to the telecom O-band and demonstrate that the input polarization state is preserved. This process is intrinsically broadband and can be adapted to any other wavelength.

Quasi-phase-matching for third harmonic generation in noble gases employing ultrasound

We study a novel method of quasi-phase-matching for third harmonic generation in a gas cell using the periodic modulation of the gas pressure and thus of the third order nonlinear coefficient in the axial direction created by an ultrasound wave. Using a comprehensive numerical model we describe the quasi-phase matched third harmonic generation of UV (at 266 nm) and VUV pulses (at 133 nm) by using pump pulses at 800 nm and 400 nm, respectively, with pulse energy in the range from 3 mJ to 1 J. In addition, using chirped pump pulses, the generation of sub-20-fs VUV pulses without the necessity for an external chirp compensation is predicted.

Enhanced harmonic generation by breaking the phase-matching symmetry

We introduce two static methods to break the phase-matching symmetry in third harmonic generation with a focused Gaussian beam in the tight focusing limit, dramatically increasing the conversion efficiency and mode quality. Both rely on inhibiting harmonic generation immediately after the beam waist, preventing the near perfect cancellation of the third harmonic generation (THG) from before and after the focus. The first method involves placing a thin metal septum at the waist: the laser drills a small pinhole, which, in turn, disrupts the beam focus after the pinhole. The second method is based on placing a large χ(3) gas before the focus and a small χ(3) gas after the focus.