Intracavity optical parametric oscillator: study of the dynamics in pulsed regime

TLDR

The temporal evolution of population inversion and intracavity pump and signal powers is modeled by a simple system of coupled equations, from which pulse characteristics are analytically derived. Simulations show the OPO can generate single or multiple pulses whose characteristics depend on signal cavity finesse and pump level, achieving up to 80 % energy transfer efficiency from the laser medium.

Abstract

We have studied the dynamical properties of the optical parametric oscillator when it is inserted into the pump-laser cavity. The temporal evolutions of the population inversion and of the pump and signal intracavity powers are modeled by a simple system of coupled equations. Numerical simulations show that the optical parametric oscillator can produce one or several pulses, depending on the signal cavity finesse and the pumping level of the laser medium. The main characteristics of the pulses are deduced from an analytical study of the equations. The energy transfer efficiency from the laser medium to the signal pulses is predicted to be up to 80%.