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Published on: May 30, 2014
Effect of idler absorption in pulsed optical parametric oscillators
Gunnar Rustad1, Gunnar Arisholm, Øystein Farsund
1FFI, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, POBox 25, NO-2027 Kjeller, Norway. gunnar.rustad@ffi.no
Optics Express
|March 4, 2011
Summary
Significant idler absorption in pulsed optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) can improve performance by reducing back conversion. This study reveals how absorption impacts efficiency and beam quality in nanosecond OPOs.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Laser Physics
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable laser light.
- Idler wave absorption is typically viewed as a loss mechanism in OPO systems.
- Understanding absorption effects is key to optimizing OPO performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of idler absorption on pulsed OPO performance.
- To determine if significant idler absorption can be beneficial.
- To establish scaling relations for nanosecond pulsed OPOs.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of pulsed optical parametric oscillators.
- Analysis of conversion efficiency and beam quality metrics.
- Parametric studies varying idler absorption, beam width, and pump pulse length.
Main Results:
- Pulsed OPOs with substantial idler absorption demonstrated superior conversion efficiency compared to those with low absorption.
- Reduced back conversion was identified as the primary mechanism for improved performance.
- Beam quality was found to be dependent on beam width and pump pulse duration.
Conclusions:
- Idler absorption is not always detrimental and can enhance pulsed OPO performance.
- Simulation results provide a foundation for designing and optimizing future OPOs.
- Scaling relations enable the application of findings to various nanosecond pulsed OPO systems.
