Carrier-envelope offset frequency stabilization in a femtosecond optical parametric oscillator without nonlinear...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Optical frequency combs, particularly those generated by synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), are crucial for precision measurements.
• Stabilizing the carrier-envelope offset frequency (f(CEO)) is essential for the coherence and precision of these combs.
• Current stabilization methods for OPO combs can be complex and limited in bandwidth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and effective method for stabilizing the carrier-envelope offset frequency (f(CEO)) in a synchronously pumped OPO.
• To demonstrate indefinite stabilization of f(CEO) to a few megahertz.
• To enable higher bandwidth stabilization compatible with advanced control techniques.

Main Methods:

• Exploiting the inherent correlation between signal pulse wavelength and f(CEO) in a synchronously pumped OPO.
• Utilizing a position-sensitive photodiode for detection.
• Implementing a feedback loop, compatible with feed-forward techniques, for stabilization.

Main Results:

• Achieved indefinite stabilization of f(CEO) to a few megahertz in a 333 MHz repetition-rate OPO system.
• The developed technique is easily implemented and requires no nonlinear interferometry.
• Demonstrated a wide capture range for the stabilization technique.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers a straightforward and robust approach to stabilize f(CEO) in OPO combs.
• This technique overcomes limitations of current methods, paving the way for enhanced precision in optical frequency comb applications.
• Compatibility with feed-forward control allows for stabilization bandwidths significantly exceeding current capabilities.