Optical parametric oscillators

Various aspects of optical parametric oscillators are discussed. The theory of optical parametric gain is outlined and applied to determining the threshold of parametric oscillators with allowance for both plane wave and Gaussian mode interactions. Particular attention is devoted to the optimal parametric oscillator above threshold along with optimum coupling. Other topics include the tuning characteristics of optical parametric oscillators and the factors determining their linewidth, spontaneous parametric emission, and nonlinear optical materials and their properties. Experimental work is discussed in terms of pump sources, materials, tuning, linewidth and frequency control, as well as threshold, output, and efficiency. Nonlinear effects related to optical parametric oscillators - such as backward wave interaction, stimulated polarization scattering, and infrared up-conversion - are also examined.