Continuous-wave singly resonant optical parametric oscillator based on periodically poled RbTiOAsO(4)

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Laser physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable laser light.
• Periodically poled RbTiOAsO(4) (PPRTA) is a promising nonlinear material for OPO applications.
• High-power, tunable laser sources are essential for various scientific and technological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a continuous-wave OPO based on a PPRTA crystal.
• To characterize the tuning range and output power of the PPRTA-based OPO.
• To compare the thermal properties of PPRTA with other nonlinear materials like LiNbO(3).

Main Methods:

• A singly resonant OPO cavity was integrated within a Ti:sapphire laser system.
• A 4.5-mm PPRTA crystal with a 30-μm grating period was used.
• Pump tuning across 838-848 nm was performed for room-temperature operation.

Main Results:

• The OPO delivered a maximum output power of 270 mW to the idler wave at 2.92 μm.
• Signal tuning ranged from 1.13-1.27 μm, and idler tuning ranged from 2.53-3.26 μm.
• PPRTA demonstrated superior thermal properties compared to periodically poled LiNbO(3).

Conclusions:

• Continuous-wave OPO operation was successfully achieved using PPRTA.
• The PPRTA-based OPO provides tunable output in the near- and mid-infrared regions.
• PPRTA offers advantages in thermal management for high-power OPO applications.