Title: NIST Develops Advanced Optical Parametric Oscillator for Spectral Responsivity Calibration
Summary:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed an innovative optical parametric oscillator (OPO) system that provides high-power, narrow line-width, and tunable light across a wide wavelength range. The OPO system, based on a lithium triborate (LBO) crystal pumped by a 532 nm laser, can generate light from 340 nm to 2300 nm by adjusting the crystal temperature, optical cavity length, and prism angles.
This fully automated, solid-state system fits on a transportable table top and represents a significant advancement over existing wavelength tunable light sources. It eliminates the need for multiple lasers to cover the spectral range, offering a single, automated solution with high power, narrow bandwidth, and full spectral coverage. The system’s capabilities make it particularly well-suited for spectral responsivity calibration of large aperture optical instruments, such as earth-observing satellite sensors.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/patents/optical-parametric-oscillator
Keywords: optical parametric oscillator, lithium triborate crystal, bismuth borate crystal, optical frequency doubler, wavelength selectors
