Quantum noise reduction in singly resonant optical devices

Quantum noise in a model of singly resonant frequency doubling, including p hase mismatch and driving in the harmonic mode, is analyzed. The use of a n onlinear normalization allows us to disentangle in the spectra the squeezin g induced by the system dynamics from the deleterious effect of the noise c oming from the various inputs. The physical insight gained permits the elab oration of general criteria to optimize noise-suppression performance. The subsequent application to the specific system here addressed reveals excell ent squeezing behavior. In particular, unlimited degrees of squeezing in th e harmonic mode are possible by means of an adequate phase mismatch or driv ing in the harmonic mode. This is in contrast with the standard phase-match ed second-harmonic generation in which the squeezing is limited to 1/9. The applicability of the model, as well as possible experimental implementatio ns, is extensively discussed. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America [S0740-32 24(00)00103-X] OCIS codes: 270.0270, 270.6570, 270.2500.