Low-threshold, self-frequency-stabilized AgGaS(2) continuous-wave subharmonic optical parametric oscillator

We report the demonstration of a cw AgGaS(2) optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The subharmonic (3omega ? 2omega + omega) OPO is configured as a doubly resonant oscillator with weak pump enhancement. The temperature-tuned, noncritically phase-matched crystal is pumped by a diode laser at lambda(p) approximately 845 nm . Oscillation at lambda(s) approximately 1267 nm and lambda(i) approximately 2535 nm is observed at an input threshold power of 60 mW. Crystal thermal loading induces a robust passive self-frequency stabilization of any single-axial-mode pair to the OPO cavity resonance. The conversion efficiency is limited by thermal effects to 2% for a 200-mW pump input.