Microlaser-pumped periodically poled lithium niobate optical parametric generator-optical parametric amplifier

For what is believed to be the first time, a single-longitudinal-mode passi vely Q-switched Nd:YAG microlaser is used to pump a narrow-bandwidth period ically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) optical parametric generator-optical pa rametric amplifier (OPG-OPA). Before amplification in the OPA, the output o f the OPG stage was spectrally filtered with an air-spaced etalon, resultin g in spectroscopically useful radiation (bandwidth, similar to 0.05 cm(-1) FWHM) that was tunable in 15-cm(-1) segments anywhere in the signal range 6 820-6220 cm(-1) and the idler range 2580-3180 cm(-1). The ability to pump a n OPG-OPA with compact, high-repetition-rate, intrinsically narrow-bandwidt h microlasers is made possible by the high gain of PPLN. The result is a tu nable light source that is well suited for use in portable spectroscopic ga s sensors. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America. OCIS codes: 130.6010, 190.4 410.