Coherent light sources based on periodically poled KTP and its isomorphs

Summary form only given. Crystals from the KTiOPO/sub 4/ (KTP) family are attractive for periodic poling as they have a relatively low coercive field, which makes it possible to pole rather thick samples, and a one-dimensional crystal structure that allows fine pitch gratings to be fabricated. Together with their high photorefractive, gray track and laser damage thresholds it makes them well suited for incorporation in wavelength shifted coherent light sources. In contrast to periodically poled lithium niobate can these materials be operated at medium and high powers at room temperature in the whole transmission range from 360 to 5000 nm In this presentation we will describe the fabrication and use of periodically poled KTiOPO/sub 4/ (PPKTP) in various coherent light sources and discuss the possibilities of tailoring the materials for a particular nonlinear process.