Widely tunable picosecond optical parametric generation and amplification in BiB(3)O(6)

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear Optics
• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Picosecond pulse generation is crucial for various scientific applications.
• Optical parametric processes offer tunable wavelength generation.
• Bismuth borate (BiB(3)O(6)) is a promising nonlinear optical crystal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate efficient picosecond pulse generation across a wide spectral range using BiB(3)O(6).
• To explore angle and temperature tuning for wavelength control.
• To investigate BiB(3)O(6) performance under different pumping conditions.

Main Methods:

• Optical parametric generation and amplification (OPG/OPA) in BiB(3)O(6) crystal.
• Pumping with the second harmonic (532 nm) of a mode-locked Nd:YAG laser.
• Utilizing type I phase-matching (o → e+e) for OPG/OPA and second harmonic generation (SHG).

Main Results:

• Achieved 740-1893 nm tuning range with angle tuning and up to 30% conversion efficiency.
• Extended tuning to 676-2497 nm via temperature tuning.
• Generated visible pulses (370-500 nm) via SHG with 24% efficiency.
• Demonstrated OPG/OPA at 355 nm with 21% efficiency and 450-1674 nm coverage.

Conclusions:

• BiB(3)O(6) is highly effective for efficient, widely tunable picosecond pulse generation.
• The crystal supports both angle and temperature tuning for versatile spectral coverage.
• Demonstrated potential for generating pulses from the visible to the near-infrared.