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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
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Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
Relaxation oscillation suppression in continuous-wave intracavity optical parametric oscillators.
David J M Stothard1, Malcolm H Dunn
1The J. F. Allen Physics Laboratories, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St. Andrews, Fife, U.K. djms1@st-and.ac.uk
Optics Express
|February 23, 2010
Summary
Researchers have solved the problem of spontaneous bursts in optical parametric oscillators. A novel method using a second nonlinear crystal effectively suppresses these oscillations, maintaining high down-converted power.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear optics
- Laser physics
- Quantum optics
Background:
- Continuous-wave optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) can exhibit problematic spontaneous relaxation oscillations.
- These oscillations occur when the OPO is operated inside the cavity of its parent pump laser.
- Such bursts can disrupt the stability and performance of OPO systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address and solve the issue of spontaneous, long-lived relaxation oscillations in OPOs.
- To develop a method for suppressing these oscillations without significantly compromising the generated parametric power.
- To enhance the stability and reliability of OPO operation within a pump-laser cavity.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a second nonlinear crystal within the pump-wave cavity.
- Utilized this crystal for second-harmonic-generation (SHG) of the pump-wave.
- Introduced nonlinear loss via up-conversion to influence OPO dynamics.
Main Results:
- Successfully suppressed spontaneous and long-lived relaxation oscillations.
- The suppression was achieved with minimal reduction in the desired down-converted optical power.
- Demonstrated a stable OPO operation within the pump-laser cavity.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method effectively mitigates relaxation oscillations in OPOs.
- Integrating SHG for pump-wave up-conversion offers a viable solution for OPO stabilization.
- This technique preserves the efficiency of the parametric down-conversion process.
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