Self-established noncollinear oscillation and angular tuning in a quasi-phase-matched mirrorless optical parametric oscillator

We experimentally demonstrate self-established noncollinear interactions in a quasi-phase-matched mirrorless optical parametric oscillator using a periodically-poled KTiOPO4 crystal with submicrometer periodicity. It is shown that the oscillation is established in a very specific geometric configuration where the two possible solutions of the energy and momentum conservation conditions become spatially degenerate and contribute coherently to the gain. In this configuration, the signal and the idler remain mutually counter-propagating. The tuning capabilities of a noncollinear mirrorless optical parametric oscillator are investigated.