Fiber-laser-based green-pumped picosecond MgO:sPPLT optical parametric oscillator

Area of Science:

• Lasers and Optics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Solid-State Lasers

Background:

• Picosecond optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are crucial for generating tunable ultrashort laser pulses.
• High-power and stable OPO operation is essential for advanced spectroscopic and nonlinear optical applications.
• Yb-fiber lasers offer efficient and compact pumping solutions for OPOs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a stable, high-power picosecond optical parametric oscillator (OPO).
• To demonstrate tunability in the near-infrared region.
• To characterize the performance and stability of the developed OPO system.

Main Methods:

• Synchronous pumping of an OPO using a frequency-doubled mode-locked Yb-fiber laser at 532 nm.
• Utilizing a 30-mm-long MgO-doped periodically poled stoichiometric lithium tantalate (MgO:sPPLT) crystal for parametric conversion.
• Investigating spectral and temporal characteristics, and demonstrating cavity-length tuning.

Main Results:

• Achieved tunable output in the near-infrared: 874-1008 nm (signal) and 1126-1359 nm (idler).
• Obtained average output power up to 780 mW (signal) and 600 mW (idler).
• Demonstrated passive long-term power stability better than 1.8% rms (signal) and 2.4% rms (idler) over 2.5 hours at 55°C.

Conclusions:

• The developed OPO system provides stable, high-power, tunable picosecond pulses in the near-infrared.
• The MgO:sPPLT crystal enables efficient parametric generation and cavity-length tuning.
• The OPO demonstrates excellent long-term operational stability, suitable for demanding applications.