Optical parametric oscillators

Recent developments in beta -barium borate (BBO), lithium triborate (LBO), and potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) optical parametric oscillators are reviewed. It is noted that, with suitable nonlinear optical crystals and pump sources, virtually any wavelength ranging from the UV to the mid IR can now be reached with optical parametric oscillators. The technology is better developed at the present time for the near-UV to 4.5 mu m range, however, largely due to the availability of large, high-quality BBO, LBO, MgO:LiNbO/sub 3/, and KTP crystals. For the 1-10 mu m range, AgGaS/sub 2/ and AgGaSe/sub 2/ show great promise.< >