Compact 21-W 2-mum intracavity optical parametric oscillator

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Nonlinear Optics

Background:

• Intracavity optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) offer efficient wavelength conversion within a laser cavity.
• Compact diode-pumped solid-state lasers are desirable for various applications.
• Nd:YALO lasers provide a suitable gain medium for intracavity OPO systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) into a compact diode-pumped Nd:YALO laser cavity.
• To investigate the performance of KTP crystals in a walk-off-compensated configuration for OPO operation.
• To achieve efficient generation of 2-micrometer radiation.

Main Methods:

• An intracavity optical parametric oscillator (OPO) was constructed.
• Two diffusion-bonded KTP crystals were employed in a walk-off-compensated arrangement.
• The OPO was placed within a compact diode-pumped Nd:YALO laser cavity.

Main Results:

• Up to 21.4 W of 2-micrometer radiation was generated.
• The system operated in the few-kilohertz repetition rate range.
• Efficient power conversion was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The integration of an intracavity OPO within a compact diode-pumped Nd:YALO laser is feasible.
• The walk-off-compensated KTP crystal configuration enables high-power 2-micrometer radiation generation.
• This compact system offers potential for applications requiring tunable or fixed 2-micrometer sources.