Femtosecond optical parametric generators and amplifiers for the near infrared based on BiB3O6

We describe the most relevant optical properties of BiB3O6 (BIBO), that make this material an attractive candidate for nonlinear frequency conversion of laser light in general, and down-conversion of femtosecond laser sources operating near 800 nm in particular. Experimental results are presented in the high-energy, low-repetition-rate (1 kHz) regime, demonstrating the unique versatility of BIBO for efficient generation of femtosecond pulses in the infrared up to ~3 μm.