Abstract

Continuous mode-locked operation of a singly resonant, synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator (SPOPO) based on CdSe has produced idler output tuned over the range of $9.1–9.7 \mathit{\mu }\mathrm{m}$, the longest wavelength generated so far to our knowledge from a SPOPO. Average idler powers as high as $\sim 70 \mathrm{mW}$ are generated in the crystal. Tandem pumping with a diffraction-grating-tuned parametric oscillator in periodically poled lithium niobate provides a convenient and agile means of tuning the noncritically phase-matched CdSe device. The absence of any detrimental thermal effects in the CdSe crystal suggests that significant further power scaling should be possible, with idler tuning ranges extendable to cover $8–12 \mathit{\mu }\mathrm{m}$.

© 2003 Optical Society of America

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