Fibre-laser-pumped femtosecond PPLN optical parametric oscillator

High-power fibre laser systems are an emerging technology for compact, robust and stable generation of ultrashort pulses. Their power levels have now converged with the power levels needed for efficient frequency conversion in quasi-phase-matched nonlinear materials such as periodically poled LiNbO/sub 3/ (PPLN). The combination of these two technologies is seen as an attractive method for producing broadly tunable ultrashort pulses. We present results of a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator (SPOPO) in PPLN, pumped by an Yb-doped fibre laser source in a master oscillator power amplifier scheme. The operating characteristics of this system are described, including its tuning behaviour, and the role of group velocity dispersion.