Parasitic photon analysis in sum frequency generation using a bulk PPLN crystal

Recent developments in quantum technologies involving atomic systems highlight the need for complex optical waveforms at visible wavelengths, where available wideband modulation devices able to handle high optical power are hard to obtain. A promising solution uses sum frequency generation (SFG) with a telecom wavelength laser and a pump laser to create wideband optical waveforms in the visible. However, during this frequency conversion, additional photons from parasitic nonlinear processes can be generated, which may disrupt the atomic systems afterwards. This study presents a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the parasitic noise produced during the SFG process, aiming to produce optical waveforms for programming and controlling solid-state quantum memories.