Abstract

We describe the design, configuration and operation of a femtosecond optical parametric oscillator (OPO) using the material RbTiOAsO₄ (RTA) and pumped by a self-modelocked Ti:sapphire laser. Conversion efficiencies of greater than 30 % are described and oscillation for pump powers as low as 50 mW is demonstrated. Signal wavelengths covering 1230 – 1340 nm and idler wavelengths from 2100 – 2430 nm have been generated using only pump-laser wavelength tuning and transform-limited 67-fs-duration signal pulses have been measured.

© 1995 Optical Society of America