Abstract

We report a subharmonic (frequency-divide-by-2) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) with a continuous wavelength span of 3 to 12 µm (${-}{37}\;{\rm dB}$ level) that covers most of the molecular rovibrational “signature” region. The key to obtaining such a wide spectral span is the use of an OPO with a minimal dispersion—through the choice of intracavity elements, the use of all gold-coated mirrors, and a special “injector” mirror. The system delivers up to 245 mW of the average power with the conversion efficiency exceeding 20% from a 2.35 µm Kerr-lens mode-locked pump laser.

© 2021 Optical Society of America

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