The possibility of pulse repetition rate multiplication by a high factor was demonstrated in a ring optical parametrical oscillator intracavity synchronously pumped by a picosecond modelocked Nd:YVO4 laser. The multiplication factor was controlled and scaled up to 26 by an optical parametrical oscillator and pump cavity length detuning. A pulse repetition rate of 2.12 GHz was achieved at a wavelength of 1.54 μm and an improvement of the coupled laser stability was observed. This system can be of interest for sensing applications.

The research and development of laser systems for intracavity phase interferometry is described. These systems are based on an intracavity synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO), enabling the generation of two trains of picosecond pulses inside a single cavity. In such a configuration, it is possible to measure the beat note frequency between two pulses and to very precisely determine the phase difference between them. The pump source is a diode-pumped passively mode-locked Nd:YVO${}_4$ laser. A periodically poled magnesium-doped lithium niobate crystal is used as the optical parametric oscillator crystal coupling the pump and the signal cavities. We designed a synchronously pumped OPO in a linear and ring cavity configuration allowing generation in a dual-pulse regime. By a mutual detuning of both cavity lengths, the quasi-synchronous regime of pumping was achieved and high harmonics of repetition rate frequencies were generated. Such a system can be useful for applications such as pump-probe spectroscopy or for testing telecommunication systems. We also realized the subharmonic OPO cavity as a source of two independent trains of picosecond pulses suitable for intracavity phase interferometry; we also measured the beat note signal.

Uranium(VI) speciation in aqueous carbonate solutions was systematically investigated using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) across a broad pH range (4.3–13.0) at room temperature. Distinct uranyl complexes were identified based on their luminescence lifetimes and emission spectra, and their formation was correlated with the theoretical speciation models. Particular emphasis was placed on alkaline conditions, where uranium speciation is less understood due to weak luminescence signals. This study revealed the presence of multiple hydroxo and carbonato complexes, including non-luminescent species at high pH. These findings provide new insights into uranium(VI) behaviour in cementitious environments relevant to deep geological repositories. Moreover the dynamics of complex formation were investigated, and the quantity of precipitates were quantified using the methods based on the luminescent properties of uranium and the presence of a complexing agent. The luminescence intensity was shown to be independent of pH and linearly correlated with uranium concentration, confirming TRLFS as a robust tool for uranium quantification in variable geochemical settings. This work contributes to a more accurate understanding of uranium mobility and stability in nuclear waste management scenarios and in locations contaminated with elevated uranium levels as a resulting of ore extraction or processing.