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Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
Stimulated Raman scattering in an optical parametric oscillator based on periodically poled MgO-doped stoichiometric
1Laboratoire Aimé Cotton, CNRS-Université, Paris Sud 11, Campus d'Orsay, Orsay Cedex, France.
Optics Express
|April 1, 2009
Summary
We observed how the spectrum of an optical parametric oscillator changes with pump power. Raman lasing and spurious frequency generation were analyzed, with cavity loss adjustments reducing unwanted Raman scattering.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable laser light.
- Understanding spectral evolution in OPOs is key to optimizing their performance.
- MgO-doped periodically poled stoichiometric lithium tantalate (MgO-PPSLT) is a promising nonlinear crystal for OPOs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectral evolution of a singly resonant OPO (SRO) using MgO-PPSLT.
- To analyze the onset and characteristics of cascade Raman lasing.
- To understand and mitigate spurious nonlinear optical phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation of OPO spectral output.
- Varying pump power to study spectral changes.
- Analysis of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and its effects.
- Cavity loss adjustment for optimization.
Main Results:
- Observed spectral evolution of the SRO with changing pump power.
- Identified and analyzed the onset of cascade Raman lasing.
- Detected and explained spurious frequency doubling and sum-frequency generation.
- Achieved significant reduction in intracavity Raman scattering through cavity loss tuning.
Conclusions:
- The spectral behavior of MgO-PPSLT based SROs is sensitive to pump power.
- Cascade Raman lasing and spurious nonlinear processes can occur and impact OPO performance.
- Careful management of cavity losses is effective in suppressing unwanted Raman scattering.
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