Use of a birefringent filter for tuning a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator

Design considerations are presented for birefringent filters suitable for use as tuning elements in synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillators. A particular design aspect that is important, since typical gains are rather high, is the adequate suppression of subsidiary transmission maxima, in order to maximize the tuning range. Results are presented on the performance of a picosecond synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator based on periodically poled lithium niobate with an appropriately designed four-plate birefringent filter. PACS 42.65.Yj; 42.72.Ai