Low Phase Noise, Record-High Power Optical Parametric Oscillator Tunable from 2.7-4.7 μm for Metrology Applications

Within the domain of optical frequency comb systems operating in the mid-infrared, extensive exploration has been undertaken regarding critical parameters such as stabilization, coherence, or spectral tunability. Despite this, certain essential parameters remain inadequately addressed, particularly concerning the light source prerequisites for advanced spectroscopy techniques operating in the 3-5 μm spectral region. Specifically, the necessity for high simultaneous stability of average power, spectral shape, and temporal properties, alongside requirements for excellent beam quality and high powers of several Watts, emerges for applications like cavity-enhanced Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy. Existing systems fall short of meeting these rigorous criteria. This study delves into the metrology aspects of an optical parametric oscillator system, with a particular emphasis on its suitability for powerhungry metrology applications. Notably, the highest average power reported in the 3-5 μm region, reaching 10.3W for the idler output at 3.1 μm, is achieved. Additionally, new aspects, like the analysis of idler phase noise and beam quality and the onset of higher order modes are discussed. These findings represent a significant advancement towards the realization of highly-stable, metrologygrade frequency combs in the mid-infrared, thereby facilitating precision spectroscopy techniques previously constrained by light source average powers and quality limitations.