Nanosecond optical parametric oscillators

Abstract The main characteristics of nanosecond OPOs are presented: nonlinear crystals, tunability ranges, output energies, phase-matching conditions. A semianalytical model and a completely numerical model are described. They point out the importance of the complex intensity distribution that appears in the transverse planes of the output pulses. Techniques to improve the spectral and spatial quality of the output beams such as intracavity Fabry–Perot filters or unstable cavity are detailed. Finally a modelisation and experimental results about intracavity OPO are presented.