Continuous-wave self-pumped optical parametric oscillator based on Yb3+-doped bulk periodically poled LiNbO3 (MgO)

We present experimental evidence of continuous-wave self-pumped parametric oscillation in Yb3+-doped periodically poled lithium niobate co-doped with MgO. A single bulk crystal of periodically poled lithium niobate containing Yb3+ laser-active ions performs as a singly resonant parametric oscillator generating a signal wave at 1360 nm. The optical parametric oscillator is intracavity pumped by the laser emission at 1063 nm produced by the Yb3+ ions in the crystal. The whole system is end pumped at 980 nm. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.