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Efficient all-solid-state mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator based on resonantly pumped 1.645 μm Er:YAG laser
Mingjian Wang1, Liang Zhu, Weibiao Chen
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of All Solid-State Laser and Applied Techniques, Research Center of Space Laser Information Technology, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China.
Optics Letters
|June 30, 2012
Summary
This study presents a tunable mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator using a solid-state laser. It achieved high output power and efficiency for mid-infrared light generation.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
- Nonlinear Optics
Background:
- Mid-infrared (mid-IR) light sources are crucial for various applications, including spectroscopy, sensing, and medical diagnostics.
- All-solid-state optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) offer tunable and efficient generation of mid-IR radiation, but advancements are continuously sought.
- Resonant pumping schemes can enhance the efficiency of OPOs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first all-solid-state tunable mid-infrared singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (SRO).
- To investigate the performance characteristics of the developed OPO system.
- To demonstrate temperature tuning capabilities for signal and idler wave generation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 1532 nm laser diode to resonantly pump a Q-switched 1.645 μm Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) laser.
- Employed MgO-doped periodically poled lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) as the nonlinear gain medium.
- Operated the OPO at a pulse repetition frequency of 2 KHz and performed temperature tuning.
Main Results:
- Achieved a maximum overall average output power of 0.95 W for 2.8 W of pump power.
- Recorded a maximum conversion efficiency of 34% and a slope efficiency of 38%.
- Demonstrated temperature tuning, yielding signal wavelengths from 2.67 to 2.71 μm and idler wavelengths from 4.18 to 4.31 μm.
Conclusions:
- The developed all-solid-state tunable mid-IR SRO is a promising source for various applications.
- The system demonstrates high efficiency and tunable output in the mid-infrared spectrum.
- MgO:PPLN is an effective nonlinear material for this resonant pumping configuration.
