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Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
Highly efficient low-threshold tunable all-solid-state intracavity optical parametric oscillator in the mid infrared.
Optics Letters
|October 31, 2009
Summary
We demonstrated an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) using a lithium niobate crystal inside a diode-pumped laser. This system achieved 640 microJ output energy and tunable idler wavelengths from 3.3-4.15 microm.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable laser light.
- Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) is a widely used nonlinear crystal for OPO applications.
- Integrating OPOs within laser resonators can enhance efficiency and reduce thresholds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an intracavity, critically phase-matched optical parametric oscillator (OPO).
- To investigate the performance of a LiNbO3 crystal within a diode-pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser resonator.
- To achieve efficient and tunable infrared light generation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a diode side-pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser system.
- Incorporated a lithium niobate (LiNbO3) crystal inside the laser resonator for intracavity operation.
- Configured the OPO as a singly resonating cavity on the signal wave.
- Achieved critical phase-matching by rotating the LiNbO3 crystal.
Main Results:
- The optical parametric oscillator (OPO) demonstrated a low threshold below 10 MW/cm(2).
- Observed a maximum idler output energy of 640 microJ at 3.7 microm.
- Achieved a conversion efficiency of 1.8% from diode light to idler light.
- Demonstrated tunability of the idler wavelength from 3.3 microm to 4.15 microm.
Conclusions:
- Intracavity configuration significantly lowers the OPO threshold.
- LiNbO3 is effective for generating tunable infrared radiation in this OPO system.
- The demonstrated OPO offers efficient conversion and tunability for various applications.
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