51-W average power, 169-fs pulses from an ultrafast non-collinear optical parametric oscillator

• DOI: 10.1364/oe.440189
• Publication Date: 2021-10-07T15:02:33Z
• Authors: L. Lang; C. P. Bauer; C. R. Phillips; U. Keller
• Keywords: Pulse duration; Optical parametric amplifier

We present a high power optical parametric oscillator (OPO) synchronously pumped by the second-harmonic of modelocked 1030-nm thin-disk laser (TDL) oscillator. The OPO delivers an average 51.1 W around degeneracy (1030 nm) with 10.2-MHz repetition-rate. After extra-cavity dispersion compensation using dispersive mirrors, we obtain pulse duration 169 fs, which is 4.6× shorter than TDL 770 fs. has 250 power, converted to 215 at second-harmonic. Hence, exhibits photon conversion efficiency 47% (ratio signal photons 515-nm pump photons). Moreover, generates peak 26.2 MW, very similar 28.0-MW TDL. To facilitate continuous tuning and convenient extraction idler beams, operated in noncollinear configuration. A linear cavity configuration was chosen since it offers easy alignment straightforward length tuning. best our knowledge, this source highest generated any ultrafast OPO, shortest for >5-W OPO. This result important step adding wavelength tunability Yb-based sources without complexity either or amplifier systems.