Continuous-wave diode-laser injection-seeded beta-barium borate optical parametric oscillator: a reliable source for spectroscopic studies

A beta-barium borate optical parametric oscillator pumped by the third harmonic of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser and seeded by a cw diode laser is described. It operates on a single longitudinal mode of its cavity, with a linewidth lower than 500 MHz (0.017 cm(-1)). The conversion efficiency of the device is as great as 20% on signal output alone. The seeded tuning range is limited by the diode's tunability.