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Yb:fiber-laser-pumped high-energy picosecond optical parametric oscillator
T P Lamour1, L Kornaszewski, J H Sun
1Ultrafast Optics Group, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
Optics Express
|August 6, 2009
Summary
We developed a high-energy optical parametric oscillator using MgO:PPLN crystals, pumped by a femtosecond Yb:fiber laser. This system generates powerful femtosecond pulses for potential applications in infrared materials processing.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable laser light.
- MgO:PPLN (periodically poled lithium niobate) is a key nonlinear crystal for OPO applications.
- Femtosecond lasers enable high-precision material processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a high-energy extended-cavity optical parametric oscillator.
- To investigate its performance when synchronously-pumped by a femtosecond Yb:fiber laser.
- To assess its potential for rapid femtosecond waveguide inscription.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an extended-cavity MgO:PPLN optical parametric oscillator.
- Synchronously-pumped the OPO with a femtosecond Yb:fiber laser.
- Employed intracavity relay-imaging optics to achieve a 15.3 MHz repetition frequency.
Main Results:
- Achieved signal operation at 1530 nm with a 15.3 MHz repetition frequency.
- Generated signal pulses with average power exceeding 1.0 W.
- Obtained pulse durations of 1.5 ps and energies greater than 70 nJ.
Conclusions:
- The developed MgO:PPLN OPO is a high-energy, high-repetition-rate source.
- Its performance characteristics make it suitable for rapid femtosecond waveguide inscription.
- This research advances laser technology for materials processing applications.
