Quasi-phase-matched self-pumped optical parametric oscillation in a micro-resonator

Lasing and self-pumped optical parametric oscillation (self-OPO) are achieved in a high-Q whispering-gallery-mode micro-resonator, made of neodymium-doped lithium niobate. A laser process providing 5 mW output power at 1.08 mm wavelength is sufficient to pump a self-OPO process within the same high-Q cavity. At 6 mW lasing output power, the sum of signal and idler output powers exceeds 1.2 mW. The wavelength of the generated light ranges from 1.5 to 3.8 mm. Phase matching is provided by a radial quasi-phase-matching structure, which is generated by a current-controlled calligraphic poling technique. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a quasi-phase-matched self-pumped nonlinear optical process in a micro-resonator, as well as the first self-OPO in a micro-resonator. The concept bears the potential for a highly integrated and wavelength-tunable coherent light source at low cost.