Optical parametric amplification in periodically poled KTiOPO4 seeded by an Er-Yb : glass microchip laser

An optical parametric amplifier based on periodically poled KTiOPO4 was use d to generate 3-ns pulses at 1.544 mum. The device was pumped by a Q-switch ed Nd:YAG laser, and the signal output-pulse energy reached 71 muJ; the max imum gain was 66 dB. The seed source was an Er-Yb:glass microchip laser. A theoretical fit to experimental data gave an effective nonlinear coefficien t of 9.7 pm/V, close to the highest values reported for periodically poled KTiOPO4. Furthermore, the broad parametric gain observed could be used for broadband pulse amplification. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.