Optimization of gain in traveling-wave optical parametric amplifiers by tuning the offset between pump- and signal-waist locations

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates experimentally and through modeling how adjusting the relative waist positions of pump and signal beams in a traveling-wave optical parametric amplifier enhances gain, achieving over 3 dB improvement in de-amplification.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of optimizing phase-sensitive optical parametric amplifiers by tuning waist positions, leading to significant gain improvements.

Findings

Over 3 dB gain enhancement achieved.

Optimal waist positioning involves focusing the pump after the signal.

Modeling confirms experimental results.

Abstract

We present experimental demonstration and modeling of the optimization of a phase-sensitive optical parametric amplifier by tuning the relative position between the pump- and signal-beam waists along the propagation direction. At the optimum position, the pump beam focuses after the signal beam, and this departure from co-located waists increases with increasing pump power. Such optimization leads to more than 3\,dB improvement in the measured de-amplification response of the amplifier.