Phase-modulation-mode-locked continuous-wave MgO:PPLN optical parametric oscillator

Abstract

We report phase-modulation mode-locking of a continuous-wave (cw) singly-resonant optical parametric oscillator (OPO) in the near- and mid-infrared based on MgO-doped periodically poled LiNbO3 (MgO:PPLN) and pumped by an Yb-fiber laser at 1064 nm. By investigating the spectral output and pulse formation characteristics of the OPO, we observe a clear transition from an unstable spectrum in cw operation to a stable and smooth profile under phase modulation, confirming mode-locked operation. Pulse generation and spectral characteristics under different operating conditions are studied, including the effects of the location of the intracavity phase modulator and the number of oscillating modes on mode-locked output pulse duration.