Tunable optical parametric oscillators pumped by Ti:sapphire lasers.

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Laser physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable laser light.
• Ti:sapphire lasers offer tunable, pulsed output suitable for pumping nonlinear optical devices.
• Efficiently coupling pump sources to OPOs is key for optimizing output parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the application of tunable, pulsed Ti:sapphire lasers as pump sources for OPOs.
• To characterize the output performance of OPOs pumped by Ti:sapphire lasers using different nonlinear crystals.
• To demonstrate high energy output and conversion efficiency in OPO systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a tunable, pulsed Ti:sapphire laser system.
• Employed a 90-degree phase-matched KTP crystal for signal and idler generation.
• Demonstrated degenerate OPO operation using a KNbO(3) crystal.

Main Results:

• Generated signal output from 1030-1280 nm and idler output from 2180-3030 nm.
• Achieved 49 mJ of combined signal and idler output energy at a pump level of 110 mJ.
• Observed a 44% conversion efficiency in degenerate OPO operation with KNbO(3).

Conclusions:

• Tunable, pulsed Ti:sapphire lasers are effective pump sources for OPOs.
• The KTP and KNbO(3) crystals enable efficient generation of tunable laser output.
• This work highlights the potential for high-performance OPO systems pumped by Ti:sapphire lasers.