High-energy quasi-phase-matched optical parametric oscillation in a periodically poled MgO:LiNbO3 device with a 5 mm x 5 mm aperture

Fabrication of a 5 mm thick periodically poled MgO-doped LiNbO3 device with a 32.1 microm period for mid-infrared generation was demonstrated. The periodic structure was evaluated by measurement of second-harmonic generation with the d31 coefficient. Optical parametric oscillation using this device with an uncoated 5 mm x 5 mm aperture and a 36 mm effective length realized a high-energy output of 77 mJ for both signal (wavelength 1.83 microm) and idler (2.54 microm) waves with a 72% slope efficiency at 110 mJ pumping of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a 12 ns pulse duration.