Abstract
We have constructed an optical parametric oscillator to generate 75-ps near-transform-limited pulses with wavelengths tunable about 1.053 μm for use in pump–probe studies of self-focusing. The singly resonant oscillator uses a Brewster-cut LiB3O5 crystal that is oriented for type-II phase matching and synchronously pumped by the amplified and frequency-tripled pulse trains from a mode-locked and Q-switched Nd:YLF laser. An intracavity Pockels cell is used to switch out single 0.5–MW pulses at rates of 1 to 10 Hz. The design, construction, and performance of the oscillator are discussed. Measured performance is compared with design predictions and with detailed numerical simulations.
© 1996 Optical Society of America
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