Abstract: Conventional short pulse optical parametric oscillator systems have relatively low repetition rates and cannot be pumped by continuous-wave lasers. The invention describes passively mode locked parametric oscillators, consisting of a continuous-wave laser pump source, an optical resonator which is resonant for only one of the two parametrically generated waves, a non-linear medium, and a saturable absorber or a medium for formation of a Kerr lens and an aperture. The repetition rate of such an oscillator system can be selected within a large range through selection of the resonator length. Fields of use are measuring technology and optical spectroscopy.

Abstract: Conventional short pulse optical parametric oscillator systems have relatively low repetition rates and cannot be pumped by continuous-wave lasers. The invention describes passively mode locked parametric oscillators, consisting of a continuous-wave laser pump source, an optical resonator which is resonant for only one of the two parametrically generated waves, a non-linear medium, and a saturable absorber or a medium for formation of a Kerr lens and an aperture. The repetition rate of such an oscillator system can be selected within a large range through selection of the resonator length. Fields of use are measuring technology and optical spectroscopy.

Abstract: An optical parameter oscillator system is proposed for use in a continuous wave pump laser system having a single-frequency pump source. The system comprises a single-resonance resonator having a nonlinear medium to produce a first and second parametrically generated wave in response to the pump wave from the single-frequency pump source. The system includes means for controlling the cavity length of the resonator, means for controlling the pump frequency of the pump source and means for controlling the temperature of the nonlinear medium. The system provides for a reliable singly-resonant optical parametric oscillator capable of emitting laser light with high spectral purity and frequency stability over a wide spectral range and is resistant to mode hopping.

Abstract: The combination of a resonator having total internal reflection with a coupler providing coupling via frustrated total internal reflection. Both linear and non-linear embodiments are described. The linear embodiment is a spectrum analyzer. The non-linear embodiment is a second harmonic generator, although modifications are described for turning the same into an optical parametric oscillator.