Continuous-wave, singly-resonant, optical parametric oscillator based on periodically poled KTiOPO4

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Laser physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable laser light.
• Singly-resonant OPOs (SROs) offer efficient wavelength generation.
• Periodically poled crystals enable quasi-phase-matched nonlinear interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and characterize a continuous-wave singly-resonant optical parametric oscillator (SRO).
• To investigate the tuning capabilities and output power of the SRO system.
• To explore the potential of intracavity-pumped SROs for specific wavelength generation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 20 mm long periodically poled KTiOPO4 (PPKTP) crystal.
• Intracavity-pumped the SRO within a Ti:sapphire laser at room temperature.
• Employed both pump tuning and temperature tuning for wavelength selection.
• Configured the device in a ring-cavity setup for single-frequency output.

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum output power of 455 mW at an idler wavelength of 2.47 microm.
• Demonstrated SRO tuning ranges of 1.14-1.27 microm (signal) and 2.23-2.73 microm (idler).
• Obtained 115 mW of single-frequency idler output at 2.35 microm using a ring-cavity configuration.

Conclusions:

• The implemented intracavity-pumped SRO using PPKTP is an effective source of tunable laser radiation.
• The device demonstrates significant output power and broad tuning capabilities.
• The ring-cavity configuration enables generation of high-quality single-frequency output.