Femtosecond optical parametric oscillator with 3D-printed polymeric parts

A synchronously-pumped optical parametric oscillator (SPOPO) based on a periodically-poled, MgO-doped lithium niobate (MgO:PPLN) crystal was realized exploiting additive manufacturing technology for the pump and focusing section of the cavity, where careful predesign of the tightly-packed mounts and optics can be very helpful in view of a more traditional mechanical realization. Surprisingly, the 3D-printed plastic parts ensured long-term stability of the (quite sensitive, in principle) femtosecond SPOPO.