Nanosecond pulsed, temperature tunable, OPO for the infrared based on periodically poled-KTP

Summary form only given. Quasi-phase-matched (QPM) nonlinear materials have in recent years had a significant impact on the development of optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), with practical versions of continuous wave, Q-switched pulse, and ultrashort pulse devices having been demonstrated. Largely based on periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN), for the visible and infrared, limitations in the use of this material have been identified, due in particular to thermal effects and optical (photorefractive and bulk) damage properties associated with the material. Here, we report an OPO based on periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate (PPKTP) that is pumped by a Q-switched neodymium laser, and in which the superior thermal and optical damage qualities of this material can be usefully exploited.