Single-frequency continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator system with an ultrawide tuning range of 550 to 2830 nm

We present a cw single-frequency laser source with what is to our knowledge the largest emission range ever demonstrated, from the green to the mid-IR range. It employs a cw optical parametric oscillator with subsequent resonant frequency doubling. Typical output powers are 30-500 mW, with 160 mW at 580 nm. Mode-hop-free oscillation, high absolute frequency stability, 20-kHz-signal linewidth, and up to 38-GHz continuous tuning are demonstrated. Both PPLN and PPKTP are used as nonlinear materials, and their performance is compared. (C) 2002 Optical Society of America.