Phase-matched second-harmonic generation in a ferroelectric liquid crystal waveguide

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates true phase-matched second-harmonic generation in a ferroelectric liquid crystal waveguide, leveraging macroscopically polar structures for efficient frequency doubling suitable for low power laser diodes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel waveguide system using ferroelectric liquid crystals with controlled supramolecular arrangement for efficient second-harmonic generation.

Findings

Achieved true phase-matching in ferroelectric liquid crystal waveguides.

Maximized conversion efficiency through controlled supramolecular arrangement.

Potential for practical frequency doubling applications with low power lasers.

Abstract

True phase-matched second-harmonic generation in a waveguide of crosslinkable ferroelectric liquid crystals is demonstrated. These materials allow the formation of macroscopically polar structures whose order can be frozen by photopolymerization. Homeotropic alignment was chosen which offers decisive advantages compared to other geometries. All parameters contributing to the conversion efficiency are maximized by deliberately controlling the supramolecular arrangement. The system has the potential to achieve practical level of performances as a frequency doubler for low power laser diodes.