Polychromatic optical parametric generation by simultaneous phase matching over a large spectral bandwidth

The parametric generation of broad spectral bandwidths by the use of suitable phase-matching geometries is reported. Greater than 100-nm simultaneous bandwidth in the visible is generated in a collimated signal beam from a novel, noncollinear phase-matching geometry in a beta-barium berate optical parametric oscillator, which is pumped by the collimated output of a Q-switched and frequency-tripled Nd:YAG laser. Dispersive cavity tuning of the optical parametric oscillator by use of a rotatable Littrow-mounted grating, with a static crystal and pump configuration, is also described. A tunable bandwidth of >100 nm is also demonstrated.