Optical Parametric Oscillators

The research activities of the group are focused on the development, study, and application of novel coherent light sources with tailorable properties in wavelength regions inaccessible to conventional lasers and other existing technologies. We exploit optical frequency conversion techniques in novel nonlinear materials and deploy innovative design architectures to provide tunable radiation in new and difficult spectral regions from the UV and visible to the near- and mid-IR. We develop light sources based on harmonic generation and mixing, optical parametric generation and amplification, and optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) in all temporal domains from the continuous-wave (cw) to the ultrafast femtosecond time-scales. The innovative light sources developed in our group offer great practical utility for a variety of scientific and technological applications including spectroscopy, trace gas detection and environmental sensing, quantum information, frequency metrology and synthesis, photochemistry, optical microscopy, biophotonics, and nanotechnology. Another important focus of our research efforts is knowledge transfer from the science base into industry through technology transfer activities, commercial innovation and enterprise. We strive to develop cutting-edge frequency conversion technology for transfer from the research laboratory to commercial market for use in real scientific and industrial applications.