Efficient generation of cross-polarized femtosecond pulses in cubic crystals with holographic cut orientation

We report here an alternative and more efficient orientation of cubic crystals for generation of cross-polarized femtosecond laser pulses. We show both theoretically and experimentally that the cross polarized wave generation (XPWG) is more efficient when the fundamental beam propagates along the [011] direction (holographic cut) in the crystal than along the [001] direction previously reported. With the [011]-cut BaF(2) crystal we measured the highest XPWG conversion efficiencies. We prove other very important advantages of the [011]-cut approach: weak induced phase mismatch and no need for its compensation. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.