Compact mid-infrared self-optical parametric oscillator directly-pumped by diode laser based on a single Nd:MgO:PPLN crystal

We present a diode-pumped self-optical parametric oscillator (SOPO) in which the laser oscillation and frequency down conversion were simultaneously realized in a single Nd:MgO:PPLN crystal. The special thermal problem in this multi-functional crystal was studied by integrative optimization of the diode laser wavelength, pump beam size, and compact cavity design. At an absorbed pump power of 15.4 W, the SOPO output power was 1.2 W for both the 3.85 mu m idler and 1.51 mu m signal lasers. Wavelength tuning of the idler laser at different cooling temperature in the mid-infrared region was also demonstrated.

Automated summary

A diode-pumped self-optical parametric oscillator (SOPO) was presented, which achieved simultaneous laser oscillation and frequency down conversion in a single Nd:MgO:PPLN crystal. The thermal problem in this multi-functional crystal was studied by optimizing the diode laser wavelength, pump beam size, and compact cavity design. The SOPO output power was 1.2 W for both the 3.85 μm idler and 1.51 μm signal lasers at an absorbed pump power of 15.4 W, and wavelength tuning of the idler laser in the mid-infrared region was demonstrated.