Nonlinear Optical Crystals for Laser Frequency Conversion and Birefringence
This community develops single-crystal materials that manipulate laser light through nonlinear optical effects, primarily for frequency conversion and beam control.
The work centers on synthesizing and characterizing inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic crystals, with borates, fluorides, and phosphates forming the dominant chemical families. Researchers focus on optimizing specific physical properties, including large birefringence, high laser-damage thresholds, and broad transparency ranges from the deep ultraviolet to the infrared. Key performance metrics involve second-harmonic generation efficiency and third-order nonlinear responses. The structural chemistry emphasizes the arrangement of anionic groups, such as borate clusters, to enhance optical anisotropy. Applications are defined by the need for materials that can generate new wavelengths or split light beams in high-power laser systems.
The largest share of the community's output is found in boron research, accounting for 1.0% of all boron research, and 1,529 papers here. It also represents 0.7% of potassium research and 0.7% of barium research.
The community comprises 17,313 papers, publishing most frequently in Inorganic Chemistry, Spectrochimica Acta Part A, and the Journal of Solid State Chemistry.
Recent work continues to target deep-ultraviolet and infrared nonlinear optical crystals, with specific focus on enhancing second-harmonic generation and birefringence in borate fluorides, phosphides, and hybrid organic frameworks.