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Spectral-crystal efficiency mapping: An analytical tool for visualizing the parametric conversion potential of broadband sources

Sebastian C. Robarts*, Derryck T. Reid, and Richard A. McCracken

  • *Contact author: scr2@hw.ac.uk
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Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 034036 – Published 11 March, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/bpxv-v274

Abstract

Quasi-phase-matching in χ(2) media underpins many nonlinear conversion techniques, yet conventional sinc-squared gain models assume monochromatic pumps and wavelength-independent efficiency, limiting their accuracy for broadband sources. We introduce spectral-crystal efficiency mapping (SCEM), an analytical framework that combines input spectra with the nonlinear properties of a crystal to evaluate conversion potential. SCEM incorporates pump spectral profiles, higher-order interactions, and cascaded processes, providing an upper bound on efficiency that complements more computationally demanding numerical models. The resulting maps agree with experiment and simulation, while offering experimentalists an intuitive tool for assessing nonlinear gain media and guiding optimization of broadband frequency-conversion systems.

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Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 034036– Published 11 March, 2026
  • Received 3 June 2025
  • Revised 12 January 2026
  • Accepted 30 January 2026
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI.

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