Terahertz generation by difference frequency generation from a compact optical parametric oscillator

Terahertz (THz) generation by difference frequency generation (DFG) processes with dual idler waves is theoretically analyzed. The dual idler waves are generated by a compact optical parametric oscillator (OPO) with periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN). The phase-matching conditions in a same PPLN for the optical parametric oscillation generating signal and idler waves and for the DFG generating THz waves can be simultaneously satisfied by selecting the poling period of PPLN. Moreover, 3-order cascaded DFG processes generating THz waves can be realized in the same PPLN. To take an example of 8.341 THz which locates in the vicinity of polariton resonances, THz intensities and quantum conversion efficiencies are calculated. Compared with non-cascaded DFG processes, THz intensities of 8.341 THz in 3-order cascaded DFG processes increase to 2.57 times. When the pump intensity equals to 20 MW/mm2, the quantum conversion efficiency of 106% in 3-order cascaded DFG processes can be realized, which exceeds the Manley-Rowe limit.