High-energy near-diffraction-limited output from optical parametric oscillators using unstable resonators

Margaret K. Brown; Mark S. Bowers

doi:10.1117/12.269987

31 March 1997 High-energy near-diffraction-limited output from optical parametric oscillators using unstable resonators

Margaret K. Brown, Mark S. Bowers

Proceedings Volume 2986, Solid State Lasers VI; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269987
Event: Photonics West '97, 1997, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

We describe a computationally efficient numerical simulation model of optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) appropriate for the simulation of high energy pulsed OPOs using unstable resonators. The model calculations are time dependent and include the effects of diffraction and pump depletion in the parametric amplification process. The computational time required to solve the model equations for unstable resonator OPOs is reduced by applying a coordinate transformation to the paraxial three-wave mixing equations. An essential characteristics of this transformation is that it allows for the extraction of the geometric curvature from the intracavity fields resulting in the propagation of approximately collimated fields. We demonstrate the utility of this new model by presenting the results of a detailed numerical study of a high energy, non-critically phase matched KTA OPO using unstable resonators. Our results predict that an optimally designed confocal unstable resonator can produce near diffraction limited output at high pulse energies.

Citation Download Citation

Margaret K. Brown and Mark S. Bowers "High-energy near-diffraction-limited output from optical parametric oscillators using unstable resonators", Proc. SPIE 2986, Solid State Lasers VI, (31 March 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.269987

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available