Greater than 100% photon-conversion efficiency from an optical parametric oscillator with intracavity difference-frequency mixing

摘要

Using 100-ps Nd:YAG pump pulses, we synchronously pump an optical parametric oscillator with intracavity difference-frequency mixing (DFM) between the signal and the idler. The cavity is singly resonant at the signal frequency. The signal, idler, and difference wavelengths are near 1.5, 3.5, and 2.8 mu m, respectively. Periodically poled lithium niobate is used for both interactions. Results show an 80% enhancement in the idler power-conversion efficiency and an idler photon-conversion efficiency of 110% when the DFM-interaction is phase matched. Back conversion of the pump is Suppressed when the DFM interaction is phase matched, and pump depletion increases from 65% to 79% at full pump power. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America. [References: 9]