Abstract

Controlled frequency tuning of an optical parametric oscillator is accomplished through the application of a dc electric field that perturbs the index ellipsoids for the pump, the signal, and the idler beams by means of the linear electro-optic (Pockels) effect. The changes in the refractive indices induce a dispersion-compensating wavelength tuning of the optical parametric oscillator signal and idler beams to maintain the birefringent phase-matching condition. Broadband wavelength tuning by the electro-optic effect in a mid-infrared lithium niobate optical parametric oscillator is demonstrated. A linear dependence of the wavelength shift on applied voltage is observed with an idler tuning range of up to $\sim 90$ nm achieved electro-optically. Tuning rates in excess of 5 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{-1}/(\mathrm{kV}/\mathrm{cm})$ are obtained. All observations, including the dispersion in the tuning rate, are quantitatively described by a simple theory that uses no adjustable parameters.

© 1997 Optical Society of America

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