Ultrashort-pulsed optical parametric oscillator employing Brewster angle prism retroreflectors

Abstract

We demonstrate a synchronously-pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO) cavity in which traditional dielectric mirrors are replaced by all-planar Brewster angle prism retroreflectors, also known as Pellin-Broca prisms. Exploiting total internal reflection, these prisms form a cavity supporting >350-fs chirped signal pulses that were externally compressible to sub-150-fs durations. This simple architecture produces wavelengths tuneable across 1100 − 1350 nm, suitable for basic multi-photon applications.