Huntite Crystals for UV Nonlinear Optics and Self_Doubled Lasers

Nonlinear Optical (NLO) crystals play a critical role in current solid-state laser systems operating at fixed UV or visible wavelengths, and as tunable frequency converters known as Optical Parametric Oscillators (OPOs). Currently, NLO materials limit theavailable wavelengths, as well as the longevity and efficiency of these laser systems due to low damage thresholds, poor optical quality, and small nonlinearities. As a result, new NLO crystals that can improve the performance of solid-state laser systemsand provide new combinations of optical and mechanical properties are needed. Specifically, there is a need for new NLO crystals for use in high efficiency all solid-state lasers operating in the UV. Borate-huntite compositions, such as YAl3(BO3)4 (YAB),have been shown to have modest birefringence, large nonlinearities, and large damage thresholds making them ideal for NLO and OPO applications. However, most borate-huntite compositions melt incongruently and must be grown from high temperature solutions.Crystals of a borate-huntite composition will be produced under this Phase II project that have been demonstrated to melt congruently. Crystals that can be grown from a congruent melt are generally more robust, possess better optical properties and can begrown easily relative to the solution grown crystals.