Improved materials for electro-optic and nonlinear optic applications

There is a need for optical crystals, having large nonlinear coefficients and low optical absorption in the mid IR region (2-5 m). Crystals of KTA have shown promise in this application, however, improved optical transmission is still required. The synthesis, crystal growth and characterization of the new materials, KiOSbO4 and KTiONbO4 will be examined. Based on previous experimental data, empirical relationships were developed which indicated substitution of Nb and/or Sb for As in KTA type crystals should extend the IR cutoff out past 6 jm and reduce or eliminate the unwanted absorptions at 2-5 m. It is anticipated that the nonlinear properties will not be significantly different than those of KTA and KTP. OPTION TASK: None submitted