RESUMEN
We propose a method for the determination of optical frequencies in the near infrared that is based on the nonlinear generation of the optical sum and difference frequencies of two near-infrared lasers followed by the comparison of the sum and difference frequencies with standards in the visible and in the far infrared, respectively. We also address questions of practicability and discuss some examples open to the method.
RESUMEN
We observed cw third-harmonic generation in a periodically poled LiNbO(3) crystal by cascading optimally phase-matched second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation. Other processes, such as fourth-harmonic generation, are allowed by the flexibility of quasi-phase matching. We demonstrate a divide-by-nine (1.19- 10.71-microm) frequency chain that uses only two lasers.