Title :
Characterization and modeling of a noncollinearly phase-matched femtosecond optical parametric oscillator based on KTA and operating to beyond 4 μm
Author :
Reid, Derryck T. ; McGowan, Cate ; Ebrahimzadeh, Majid ; Sibbett, Wilson
Author_Institution :
J.F. Allen Phys. Res. Lab., St. Andrews Univ., UK
fDate :
1/1/1997 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
We describe the design and operation of a critically phase-matched femtosecond optical parametric oscillator based on KTA. By employing a small pump-signal noncollinear angle, tuning of the idler to beyond 4 μm is achieved using a Ti:sapphire pump laser. A Gaussian-beam model is described which can be used to identify the optimal noncollinear phase-matching geometry. Idler and signal pulses are characterized fully both temporally and spectrally and interferometric autocorrelation data at 3.5 μm showing idler pulses of only eight optical cycles duration are presented
Keywords :
geometry; high-speed optical techniques; infrared sources; light interferometry; optical correlation; optical design techniques; optical parametric oscillators; optical pumping; potassium compounds; tuning; 3.5 mum; 4 mum; Gaussian-beam model; IR sources; KTA; KTiOAsO4; Ti:sapphire pump laser; critically phase-matched femtosecond optical parametric oscillator; idler; idler pulses; interferometric autocorrelation data; noncollinearly phase-matched femtosecond optical parametric oscillator; optical cycles; optimal noncollinear phase-matching geometry; signal pulses; small pump-signal noncollinear angle; tuning; Frequency conversion; Laser excitation; Laser tuning; Nonlinear optics; Optical design; Optical frequency conversion; Optical interferometry; Optical pulses; Optical pumping; Ultrafast optics;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
