Parametric generators and amplifiers of ultrashort light pulses

Summary form only given, as follows. Optical parametric generators and amplifiers (OPG/OPA) offer the unique possibility to produce pico- and femtosecond pulses broadly tunable from 0.2 up to 20 micrometers. Ultra broadband noncollinear OPA provides the shortest 4.7 fs pulse as to date. The chirped pulse parametric amplification (CPPA) technique allows to scale-up an output energy of OPA and to reach TW or even PW power of femtosecond pulses. The author introduces the operation principles of OPG/OPA. The modification of spatial and temporal spectrum bandwidth with conical beams and tilted pulses is discussed. In conclusion the recent advances in OPG/OPA technology are pointed out.