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Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
Optical parametric oscillators pumped by population-trapped atoms.
Optics Letters
|May 1, 1997
Summary
We developed a novel optical parametric oscillator using population-trapped atoms. This design achieves high parametric gain bandwidth exceeding the degenerate frequency, demonstrated in lead (Pb) vapor.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Nonlinear Optics
- Atomic Physics
Background:
- Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable laser light.
- Achieving high gain bandwidth in OPOs typically requires complex setups.
- Utilizing atomic coherence offers a new pathway for nonlinear optical processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel optical parametric oscillator (OPO) design.
- To leverage population-trapped, coherent atoms for enhanced nonlinear effects.
- To achieve parametric gain bandwidth exceeding the degenerate frequency.
Main Methods:
- Pumping an OPO with population-trapped atoms prepared in a maximally coherent state.
- Employing an effective nonlinear susceptibility comparable to the linear susceptibility.
- Confining parametric gain within a single coherence length.
Main Results:
- The OPO design enables parametric gain bandwidth to surpass the degenerate frequency.
- Calculated gain in lead (Pb) vapor is maximized at 1.88 micrometers.
- A significant gain bandwidth of approximately 7500 cm(-1) was determined for Pb vapor.
Conclusions:
- Population-trapped, coherent atoms provide an effective medium for OPOs.
- This approach allows for broad gain bandwidths, exceeding conventional limits.
- The demonstrated Pb vapor OPO shows potential for efficient, wide-spectrum light generation.
