Optical parametric amplification is a process that leads to the generation of quantum states of light. In the limit of low single-pass gain, this process is often referred to as parametric down conversion, and produces entangled two-photon states. Such states have played a key role in recent studies of quantum optical effects such as quantum teleportation. As the gain of the parametric amplific...

We present the theory of a Josephson parametric amplifier employing two-pump sources. Our calculations are based on input-output theory, and can easily be generalized to any coupled system involving parametric interactions. We analyze the operation of the device, taking into account the feedback introduced by the reaction of the signal and noise on the pump power, and in this framework, compute...

The technique of Optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) is becoming increasingly popular as pre-amplifiers for seeding laser systems [1,2] and as potential amplifiers for extremely high peak power systems. This is because they are capable of amplifying a broad bandwidth and can have large gains. Our previous study of the ASE contrast of the Vulcan laser system [3] demonstrated t...

Mechanical and electromechanical parametric amplifiers have garnered significant interest, as of late, due to the increased need for low-noise signal amplification in resonant micro/nanosystems. While these devices, which are traditionally designed to operate in a linear range, potentially represent an elegant, on-chip amplification solution, it is not readily apparent that this technical appro...

Chirped quasi-phase-matched optical parametric amplifiers (chirped QPM OPAs) are investigated experimentally. The measured collinear gain is constant over a broad bandwidth, which makes these devices attractive candidates for use in femtosecond amplifier systems. The experiment also shows that chirped QPM OPAs support noncollinear gain-guided modes. These modes can dominate the desired collinea...