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Updated: May 18, 2026
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Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
250-MHz synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator at 2.25-2.6 μm and 4.1-4.9 μm
Nicola Coluccelli1, Helge Fonnum, Magnus Haakestad
1Dipartimento di Fisica - Politecnico di Milano and Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie -CNR, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy. nicola.coluccelli@polimi.it
Optics Express
|October 6, 2012
Summary
A new compact femtosecond mid-infrared (mid-IR) light source was developed using an optical parametric oscillator (OPO). This versatile laser system offers tunable mid-IR output with high average power for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Nonlinear optics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Femtosecond lasers are crucial for advanced research.
- Mid-infrared (mid-IR) light sources are needed for molecular spectroscopy.
- Compact and tunable sources are highly desirable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a compact and versatile femtosecond mid-IR source.
- To demonstrate tunability and power output.
- To achieve active stabilization for reliable operation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an optical parametric oscillator (OPO).
- Synchronously pumped the OPO with a commercial 250-MHz Er:fiber laser.
- Implemented active stabilization of the OPO cavity length.
Main Results:
- Achieved tunable mid-IR output from 2.25-2.6 μm (signal) and 4.1-4.9 μm (idler).
- Obtained average power ranging from 20 to 60 mW.
- Demonstrated a minimum pulse duration of 110 fs at 2.5 μm with 40 mW average power.
Conclusions:
- The developed OPO is a compact and versatile femtosecond mid-IR source.
- The system offers broad tunability and significant average power.
- Active stabilization ensures stable performance across the tuning range.
