Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
09:23
Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
High-power, continuous-wave, singly resonant optical parametric oscillator based on MgO:sPPLT.
G K Samanta1, G R Fayaz, Z Sun
1ICFO, The Institute of Photonic Sciences, Mediterranean Technology Park, Barcelona, Spain.
Optics Letters
|March 16, 2007
Summary
We developed a high-power, tunable optical parametric oscillator (OPO) using MgO:sPPLT. This device achieves significant idler power and high efficiency, offering a versatile light source for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable laser light.
- MgO:sPPLT (periodically poled stoichiometric lithium tantalate doped with magnesium oxide) is a nonlinear crystal with desirable properties for OPO applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a high-power, widely tunable, continuous-wave (cw) singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (OPO).
- To investigate the performance of an OPO based on MgO:sPPLT crystal pumped by a diode-pumped Nd:YVO(4) laser.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a MgO:sPPLT crystal within a singly resonant OPO cavity.
- Employed a cw diode-pumped Nd:YVO(4) laser operating at 532 nm for pumping.
- Implemented double-pass pumping configuration to enhance efficiency.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low oscillation threshold of 2.88 W using a 30 mm crystal and double-pass pumping.
- Generated continuously tunable output across the 848-1430 nm wavelength range.
- Obtained single-pass idler powers exceeding 1.51 W (1104-1430 nm) for 6 W of pump power.
- Demonstrated an extraction efficiency of 25.2% and photon conversion efficiency of 56.7%.
Conclusions:
- The developed MgO:sPPLT-based OPO is a high-power and widely tunable light source.
- The device exhibits excellent performance metrics, including low threshold and high conversion efficiencies.
- This OPO offers a promising solution for applications requiring tunable, high-power laser output.
