Concurrent optical parametric down-conversion in χ(2) nonlinear photonic crystals

We experimentally investigated concurrent parametric downconversion processes in a two-dimensional hexagonally poled lithium tantalate crystal. The substantial enhancement of parametric gain was observed when concurrent processes shared a common parametric beam. Both degenerate and nondegenerate concurrent parametric downconversion processes were studied. Analyses of the spatial forms and output angles showed a strong dependence on the working temperature, during which a well-defined beamlike parametric output was observed. Our results will stimulate the design for coherent high-gain generation of multiple parametric beams and also shed light on the compact engineering of path-entanglement with specific spatial forms based on concurrent spontaneous parametric downconversion processes.