Tunable midinfrared source by difference frequency generation in bulk periodically poled KTiOPO4

We demonstrate quasi-phase-matched difference frequency generation in periodically poled KTiOPO4. A midinfrared (3.2–3.4 μm) idler with a power level of 0.17 μW is generated by mixing a Nd:YAG laser and tunable external cavity laser near 1550 nm which is amplified by an erbium-doped fiber amplifier. The wavelength, temperature, and angle tuning characteristics of this device are determined. The experimental results are used to derive a Sellmeier equation with improved accuracy in the midinfrared range for the extraordinary refractive index of flux-grown KTiOPO4.