Growth and characterization of orientation patterned GaAs crystals for non-linear optical frequency conversion

Abstract

ABSTRACTOrientation patterned (OP)-GaAs crystals have high potential as non linear optical systems. Mid-infrared and terahertz lasers sources can be fabricated with these crystals by frequency conversion from shorter wavelength sources. The optical propagation losses are critical; therefore, the OP-GaAs crystals must have high quality with low incorporation of defects and high homogeneity to reduce the refractive index fluctuations. Defects with electro-optic signature must be characterized in order to reduce their presence. Cathodoluminescence studies of these crystals permit the distribution of the main defects to be established, both extended and point defects. Special attention is paid to the role of the walls between the two domain orientations, and to the incorporation of impurities in Si-doped samples.