Harmonic generation driven by a self-build infrared parametric source

A compact and tunable infrared optical parametric amplifier (IR-OPA) is introduced here, and the system consists of an internal seed of white-light continuum generator (WLG) and two noncollinear optical parametric amplifiers (NOPAs). The conversion efficiency reaches about 40% in a broadband tunable spectral range. Based on this IR-OPA system, we present the second harmonic generation (SHG) and the third harmonic generation (THG) through BBO crystals, and we also demonstrate the high harmonic generation (HHG) from the interaction between infrared laser and atomic gases. These results indicate that the IR-OPA system is ideally suited to be used as a driver for SHG, THG and HHG.