Strain-Controlled Phase Matching of Optical Harmonic Generation in Microfibers

Abstract

Nonlinear parametric processes in optical fibers provide opportunities to expand advanced fiber-based technologies of lasers, communications, and sensors, but their efficiencies are significantly degraded by phase mismatching. This study proposes a strategy to accurately control the phase matching of optical harmonic generations in a microfiber, by applying a mechanical strain that modifies its structure and refractive index. This effective strategy to optimize nonlinear processes will be beneficial to all-fiber nonlinear optics and could extend their applications in optical communications and signal processing.