250-MHz synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator at 2.25-2.6 {\mu}m and 4.1-4.9 {\mu}m

TL;DR

This paper reports a compact, femtosecond mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator pumped by a 250-MHz Er:fiber laser, capable of tunable output in the 2.25-2.6 μm and 4.1-4.9 μm ranges with active stabilization.

Contribution

The work introduces a versatile, actively stabilized femtosecond mid-IR OPO with broad tunability and high stability, driven by a commercial Er:fiber laser.

Findings

Achieved tunable mid-IR spectrum from 2.25 to 2.6 μm and 4.1 to 4.9 μm.

Obtained 110 fs pulse duration at 2.5 μm.

Delivered average power up to 60 mW.

Abstract

A compact and versatile femtosecond mid-IR source is presented, based on an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) synchronously pumped by a commercial 250-MHz Er:fiber laser. The mid-IR spectrum can be tuned in the range 2.25-2.6 \mu m (signal) and 4.1-4.9 \mu m (idler), with average power from 20 to 60 mW. At 2.5 \mu m a minimum pulse duration of 110 fs and a power of 40 mW have been obtained. Active stabilization of the OPO cavity length has been achieved in the whole tuning range.