TUNABLE OPTICAL PARAMETRIC OSCILLATORS PUMPED BY TI-SAPPHIRE LASERS

We report on the application of tunable, pulsed Ti:sapphire lasers as efficient pump sources for optical parametric oscillators. Using a 90- deg phase-matched KTP crystal, we have generated output from 1030 to 1 280 nm (signal) and 2180 to 3030 nm (idler) by tuning the pump laser f rom 700 to 900 nm, with 49 mJ of combined signal and idler output ener gy at a pump level of 110 mJ. In addition, we have demonstrated degene rate optical parametric oscillator operation with a KNbO3 crystal over the pump range of 720-818 nm and observed a 44% conversion efficiency .