Continuous-wave, intracavity optical parametric oscillators: an analysis of power characteristics

We describe the steady-state and transient power characteristics of continuous-wave intracavity singly resonant parametric oscillators (ICSROs). The operation characteristics of recently demonstrated ICSROs are reviewed. We derive a rate-equation model for the ICSRO which features a multi-frequency laser field. The steady-state behaviour of the device is detailed and methods to optimise the signal and idler outputs are presented. A Liapunov analysis tests the high-power stability of the system. We find that ICSROs do not suffer from the problems of instability which are characteristic of other intracavity frequency-mixing schemes and, as such, represent practical continuous-wave sources capable of high output powers and conversion efficiencies. Finally, we quantify the level of practical stability through an analysis of the novel transient behaviour of the ICSRO. We find that, to optimise the power stability, the signal cavity lifetime should be made as large as possible.