Abstract

We report on the first microsecond doubly resonant optical parametric oscillator (OPO). It is based on a nested cavity OPO architecture allowing single longitudinal mode operation and low oscillation threshold (few microjoule). The combination with a master oscillator-power amplifier fiber pump laser provides a versatile optical source widely tunable in the 3.3–3.5 μm range with an adjustable pulse repetition rate (from 40 to 100 kHz), high duty cycle ($\cong {10}^{-2}$) and mean power (up to 25 mW in the idler beam). The potential for trace gas sensing applications is demonstrated through photoacoustic detection of atmospheric methane.

© 2013 Optical Society of America

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