Grating based optical parametric oscillator and method of dynamically tuning the oscillator for generating desired optical signals

摘要

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) (e.g., for a laser transmitting device) includes non-linear optical media, optical beam manipulating elements, and a narrow linewidth filter in the form of a rotatable grating. The grating enables rapid tuning of the oscillator to provide an output beam with a desired wavelength. A pump laser provides a pump laser beam, and the non-linear optical media convert the pump beam into light beams with a signal wavelength and an idler wavelength. The angular positions or orientations of the non-linear optical media relative to a longitudinal propagation axis of the optical parametric oscillator (OPO) are adjustable to effectively tune the resulting signal and idler wavelengths. An output coupler receives the resulting beams from the non-linear optical media, and emits beams with the desired wavelength (signal and/or idler wavelengths).