Experimental investigation of parametric transfer in synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillators

We experimentally investigate the parameters affecting parametric transfer in a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator for indirect shaping of mid-infrared ultrashort pulses and make comparisons with previously reported numerical modeling. The individual effects of the parameters are discussed in detail. We conclude that signal bandwidth narrowing, minimal signal amplification, large pump depletion, cavity length tuning, and minimal pump and idler temporal walk-off are required for high fidelity transfer, which we are able to demonstrate for a strongly chirped pump pulse. (C) 2007 Optical Society of America.