Resonant Enhanced Frequency Converter

Abstract

A frequency converter for converting a single-mode input beam at a fundamental frequency to an output beam at a converted frequency is configured with a plurality of phase-separated optical components defining a resonant cavity. The optical assembly shapes the input beam to have at least one beam waist within the cavity. The frequency converter also includes a nonlinear crystal located within the resonator in a diverging beam having a Rayleigh length less than the round-trip length of the resonator such that the center of the crystal is aligned with the beam waist along the beam path. separate, or the nonlinear crystal is located in a collimated beam whose Rayleigh length is greater than the resonator round-trip length.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to frequency conversion of laser radiation by nonlinear interaction of the laser radiation with a suitable nonlinear crystal. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an improved design of an external cavity for frequency conversion in which the optical power density in the body and surface of the crystal is reduced to significantly increase the lifetime of the crystal. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to improved manufacturability of an external cavity for frequency conversion constructed using a set of standard optical components usable for a large input power range. Background technique

[0002] It is well known that there are many wavelengths that are not directly accessible with modern laser technology. Nonlinear frequency conversion techniques allow the generation of laser radiation at these wavelengths in the UV, visible and IR spectral ranges.

[0003] In theory, the term "frequency conversion...

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