Learn about the 4 most common types of optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) and their applications in this informative article. Discover advancements in OPO technology and the latest innovations.

4 Most Common Types of Optical Parametric Oscillators

Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are devices that produce coherent light in the mid-infrared or visible spectral range by converting the frequency of an input laser beam. These devices have numerous applications in scientific, industrial, and medical fields. There are several types of OPOs, but in this article, we will discuss the four most common types of OPOs.

1. Non-Resonant OPO

A non-resonant OPO operates by using a non-linear crystal to produce a signal and idler beam. The pump beam is usually a high-power pulsed laser operating in the near-infrared or visible spectral range. Non-resonant OPOs have a wide range of applications, including spectroscopy, sensing, and imaging.

One of the advantages of non-resonant OPOs is that they can operate at high repetition rates and produce high pulse energies. They are also tunable, meaning that the output wavelength can be adjusted to match the requirements of the application.

2. Resonant OPO

A resonant OPO operates by using a non-linear crystal placed inside an optical resonator. The pump beam is resonated within the cavity, which increases the intensity of the pump beam and enhances the conversion efficiency of the OPO.

Resonant OPOs have a narrow bandwidth, and the output wavelength is determined by the cavity length and the non-linear crystal used. These devices have a wide range of applications, including laser spectroscopy, frequency metrology, and quantum optics.

3. Difference-Frequency Generation OPO

A difference-frequency generation (DFG) OPO operates by mixing two laser beams of