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Nonlinear Crystal Library

Your Comprehensive Guide to Nonlinear Crystals

Welcome to the Nonlinear Crystal Library by Photonics on Crystals (POC). This provides a comprehensive guide to nonlinear crystals, empowering customers with the knowledge to select the perfect crystal for their applications.

Overview of Nonlinear Crystal Library

Nonlinear crystals are indispensable in photonics, enabling frequency conversion, harmonic generation, and parametric amplification. These crystals are used to convert laser light into different wavelengths, expand spectral ranges, and enhance laser system efficiency. They play a critical role in scientific research, industrial applications, telecommunications, and medical technologies.

Our Nonlinear Crystal Library is designed to guide you through the world of nonlinear optics, offering detailed information about each crystal’s properties, applications, and performance. Whether you’re an engineer, researcher, or optical designer, this page provides the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. With precise technical details and application insights, this page simplifies the process of selecting the most suitable nonlinear crystal for your project.

Here is a summary table comparing the nonlinear crystals, focusing on their specifications (transparency range, key features) and applications:

Crystal NameTransparency Range (µm)Key FeaturesApplications
LBO – Lithium Triborate0.16 – 2.6High thermal stability, high damage thresholdSHG, OPO, THG
BBO – Beta-Barium Borate0.19 – 3.5Wide transparency, high optical homogeneitySHG, OPG, OPA, THG
BIBO – Bismuth Triborate0.29 – 2.5High SHG efficiency, robust mechanical propertiesSHG, UV generation
CLBO – Cesium Lithium Borate0.18 – 2.75Superior UV generation efficiencyUV generation, SHG
KTP – Potassium Titanyl Phosphate0.35 – 4.5Excellent phase matching, high nonlinearitySHG, SFG, OPO, biomedical devices
GTR-KTP0.35 – 4.5Enhanced damage threshold for high-power lasersAdvanced green lasers
RTP – Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate0.4 – 4.5High damage threshold, low conductivityQ-switching
KTA – Potassium Titanyl Arsenate0.35 – 5.2Wide angular acceptance, low absorption at longer wavelengthsMid-IR OPO, OPA
LN – Lithium Niobate0.42 – 5.2High nonlinear coefficients, versatile applicationsTelecom, SHG, OPO, phase modulators
MgO:LiNb03 – Magnesium Doped LN0.45 – 4.5Resistance to photorefractive damageHigh-power lasers, OPA
KDP – Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate0.18 – 1.5High damage threshold, electro-optic applicationsSHG, Electro-optic modulation
LilO3 – Lithium Iodate0.35 – 4.5High birefringence, efficient SHGUV and visible light generation
CdSe Crystals0.5 – 18Wide MIR range, low absorption lossesTerahertz generation, IR frequency conversion
ZnGeP2 Crystals0.7 – 18High IR transparency, efficient nonlinear conversionIR OPO, harmonic generation
AgGaGeS4 Crystals0.5 – 12Thermally stable, excellent phase matchingMIR applications, frequency conversion
AgGaGe5Se12 Crystals0.9 – 17High thermal stability, efficient nonlinear processesTerahertz, MIR lasers
BaGa4Se7 Crystals0.47 – 18High nonlinear coefficient, durableMIR lasers, gas sensing, spectroscopy
BaGa2GeSe6 Crystals0.5 – 18Excellent phase matching, high thermal resistanceSpectroscopy, MIR lasers
BaGa4S7 Crystals0.5 – 13High damage threshold, excellent phase matchingHigh-power MIR lasers
HgGa2S4 Crystals0.5 – 12Thermal resistance, low absorption lossesSHG, OPA, SFG
PPKTP Crystals0.35 – 4.5Compact, highly efficient nonlinear interactionSHG, SFG, OPO
PPLN Crystals0.45 – 4.5Tunable wavelengths, compact designSHG, OPO, DFG
AgGaS2 Crystals0.5 – 12High efficiency, wide rangeFrequency conversion, IR lasers
AgGaSe2 Crystals0.7 – 18Robust, high IR transparencyMIR generation, gas sensing

This table provides a concise comparison of each crystal’s transparency range, unique properties, and practical applications in nonlinear optics. Let POC sales know if you’d like further details!

LBO – Lithium Triborate (LiB3O5)

thium Triborate (LBO) is one of the most versatile nonlinear crystals, valued for its wide transparency range (160nm to 2600nm), high damage threshold, and exceptional thermal and mechanical stability. It is particularly suited for harmonic generation (SHG and THG), optical parametric oscillation (OPO), and sum-frequency generation (SFG). LBO's non-critical phase matching (NCPM) capability and wide acceptance angles make it ideal for high-power laser systems, ultrafast pulsed lasers, and other applications requiring wavelength conversion. Due to its excellent optical uniformity and minimal walk-off angle, LBO is widely used in Nd:YAG and fiber laser systems.
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BBO – Beta-Barium Borate (P-BaB2O4)

Beta-Barium Borate (BBO) is a high-performance nonlinear crystal that excels in frequency doubling, tripling, and quadrupling processes. With a wide transparency range (190nm to 3500nm) and high optical homogeneity, BBO is a preferred choice for ultrafast and tunable laser systems. BBO’s high damage threshold and large nonlinear coefficient make it suitable for applications like optical parametric generation (OPG) and amplification (OPA). Its small angular acceptance and walk-off angle enable precise beam manipulation, making it a cornerstone material in nonlinear optics, laser machining, and advanced spectroscopy.
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BIBO – Bismuth Triborate (BiB3O6)

Bismuth Triborate (BIBO) is a promising nonlinear crystal known for its high nonlinear coefficient, excellent transparency range (286nm to 2500nm), and mechanical durability. Its outstanding second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency surpasses many other crystals, making it ideal for green and ultraviolet light generation. BIBO is widely used in diode-pumped solid-state lasers (DPSSLs) and femtosecond laser systems. Its robustness and high optical quality also make it a popular choice in laser projection systems and medical lasers.
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CLBO – Cesium Lithium Borate (CsLiB6O10)

Cesium Lithium Borate (CLBO) is a unique nonlinear crystal designed for applications requiring deep ultraviolet (UV) light. Its transparency range (180nm to 2750nm) and high nonlinear efficiency make it a leading material for generating UV laser light through fourth and fifth harmonic generation. Although CLBO has a lower damage threshold compared to other crystals, its exceptional UV generation capability is indispensable for applications in semiconductor lithography, UV spectroscopy, and fluorescence analysis. Proper handling and hydration control are essential to maintaining its performance.
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KTP – Potassium Titanyl Phosphate (KTiOPO4)

Potassium Titanyl Phosphate (KTP) is one of the most widely used nonlinear crystals due to its high nonlinear coefficient, broad transparency range (350nm to 4500nm), and excellent thermal stability. It is commonly employed for SHG of Nd:YAG lasers, producing green light at 532nm. KTP’s low walk-off angle and high damage threshold make it ideal for applications in optical parametric oscillation (OPO), sum-frequency generation (SFG), and intracavity SHG. It is widely used in telecommunications, laser displays, and biomedical devices.
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GTR-KTP

GTR-KTP, a grade-enhanced version of KTP, is optimized for higher damage thresholds and improved thermal properties. It offers superior performance in high-power laser systems where standard KTP may face limitations. GTR-KTP is particularly useful in advanced green laser systems and nonlinear optical setups.
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RTP – Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RbTiOPO4)

Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) shares many properties with KTP but offers a higher damage threshold and lower electro-optic coefficients. These features make RTP an excellent choice for Q-switching applications in high-repetition-rate laser systems. RTP is also valued for its low conductivity, reducing thermal effects in electro-optic modulators.
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KTA – Potassium Titanyl Arsenate (KTiOAsO4)

Potassium Titanyl Arsenate (KTA) is a nonlinear crystal known for its wide angular acceptance, low walk-off angle, and superior resistance to thermal effects. Its transparency range (350nm to 5200nm) makes it ideal for applications requiring mid-infrared generation through OPO and OPA processes. KTA is often preferred over KTP in mid-IR laser systems due to its lower absorption at longer wavelengths, making it suitable for gas sensing, medical lasers, and environmental monitoring.
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LN – Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3)

Lithium Niobate (LN) is a versatile crystal with applications in nonlinear optics, electro-optics, and acousto-optics. It exhibits a wide transparency range (420nm to 5200nm) and high nonlinear coefficients, making it ideal for frequency doubling, optical parametric oscillation, and wavelength conversion. LN is commonly used in fiber lasers, modulators, and telecommunications systems. Its excellent electro-optic properties also make it a key material in phase modulators and switches.
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MgO:LiNbO3 – Magnesium Doped Lithium Niobate

Magnesium-doped Lithium Niobate (MgO:LiNbO3) enhances the performance of standard LN by improving its resistance to photorefractive damage. This makes it suitable for high-power applications and ultrafast laser systems. MgO:LiNbO3 is widely used in optical parametric generation and amplification, as well as in harmonic generation setups.
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KDP – Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate and DKDP (KD*P)

Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KDP) and its deuterated form DKDP (KD*P) are widely used for frequency conversion and electro-optic modulation. Their wide transparency range (184nm to 1500nm) and high damage threshold make them essential in high-power laser systems and inertial confinement fusion experiments.
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Lithium Iodate (LiIO3)

Lithium Iodate is a nonlinear crystal known for its high birefringence and exceptional second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency. Its transparency range (350nm to 4500nm) makes it suitable for UV and visible light generation in laser systems.
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CdSe Crystals

Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) is a mid-infrared nonlinear crystal known for its wide transparency range and high nonlinear coefficients. It is commonly used in terahertz generation and infrared frequency conversion.
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ZnGeP2 Crystals

Zinc Germanium Phosphide (ZnGeP2) is a widely used crystal for mid-infrared optical parametric oscillation and harmonic generation. It offers excellent transparency and high damage thresholds, making it ideal for IR lasers.
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AgGaGeS4 Crystals

AgGaGeS4 crystals, or Silver Gallium Germanium Sulfide, are nonlinear optical crystals known for their high nonlinear coefficients and broad transparency range spanning from 0.5 μm to 12 μm. These crystals are primarily used in mid-infrared (MIR) laser applications, such as optical parametric oscillation (OPO), sum-frequency generation (SFG), and frequency mixing. Their unique properties make them suitable for applications requiring wavelength conversion in the MIR region, including laser spectroscopy, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. AgGaGeS4 crystals are also highly resistant to thermal effects, enabling their use in high-power laser systems. With excellent phase-matching capabilities, they offer precise and efficient performance for demanding photonics applications.
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AgGaGe5Se12 Crystals

AgGaGe5Se12 crystals, also known as Silver Gallium Germanium Selenide, are exceptional nonlinear crystals designed for mid-infrared applications. These crystals exhibit high nonlinear optical efficiency and an extended transparency range from 0.9 μm to 17 μm, covering a significant portion of the MIR spectrum. Their properties are particularly beneficial for applications like terahertz (THz) generation, MIR laser systems, and nonlinear optical frequency conversion. AgGaGe5Se12 crystals are widely utilized in scientific research, medical imaging, and industrial processes. With excellent thermal stability and high damage thresholds, they deliver reliable and accurate results in high-power laser environments.
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BaGa4Se7 Crystals

BaGa4Se7 (Barium Gallium Selenide) crystals are renowned for their excellent nonlinear optical properties and wide transparency range, covering 0.47 μm to 18 μm. These crystals are widely used in mid-infrared laser systems for applications such as OPO and SFG. Their high damage threshold and ability to achieve phase matching at longer wavelengths make them ideal for generating coherent radiation in the MIR region. BaGa4Se7 crystals are employed in fields like gas sensing, environmental monitoring, and medical laser systems. Their thermal and mechanical stability ensures consistent performance under high-intensity laser conditions.
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BaGa2GeSe6 Crystals

BaGa2GeSe6 (Barium Gallium Germanium Selenide) crystals are highly efficient nonlinear optical materials with a wide transparency range from 0.5 μm to 18 μm. These crystals exhibit strong nonlinear coefficients and excellent phase-matching characteristics, making them suitable for frequency conversion and MIR light generation. BaGa2GeSe6 crystals are widely applied in laser spectroscopy, environmental sensing, and biomedical imaging. Their superior thermal and mechanical properties enable consistent performance in high-power laser systems. These crystals are also valued for their precise control of laser output in various advanced photonic applications.
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BaGa4S7 Crystals

BaGa4S7 (Barium Gallium Sulfide) crystals are versatile nonlinear materials that offer an extended transparency range from 0.5 μm to 13 μm. These crystals are specifically designed for applications in mid-infrared optical parametric oscillation (OPO), difference-frequency generation (DFG), and other wavelength conversion processes. With a high damage threshold and strong phase-matching capabilities, BaGa4S7 crystals are ideal for high-power laser applications. They are used extensively in industries such as medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and gas detection. Their robust physical and optical properties ensure stability and reliability in demanding photonic environments.
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HgGa2S4 Crystals

HgGa2S4 (Mercury Gallium Sulfide) crystals are high-performance nonlinear materials with a transparency range from 0.5 μm to 12 μm. They exhibit excellent nonlinear coefficients and low absorption losses, making them ideal for frequency conversion processes in mid-infrared laser systems. These crystals are commonly used for second harmonic generation (SHG), optical parametric amplification (OPA), and other nonlinear optical processes. HgGa2S4 crystals find applications in terahertz generation, infrared spectroscopy, and environmental sensing. Their robust thermal properties and high damage thresholds make them a reliable choice for high-power laser applications.
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PPKTP Crystals

PPKTP (Periodically Poled Potassium Titanyl Phosphate) crystals are advanced nonlinear materials that feature a periodically poled structure for enhanced nonlinear conversion efficiency. They are widely used in frequency conversion applications such as second harmonic generation (SHG), sum-frequency generation (SFG), and optical parametric oscillation (OPO). PPKTP crystals have a broad transparency range from 350 nm to 4500 nm and a high damage threshold, making them suitable for high-power laser systems. These crystals are commonly applied in telecommunications, quantum optics, and laser-based medical devices. Their compact size and precise phase-matching properties provide excellent performance in various photonic systems.
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PPLN Crystals

PPLN (Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate) crystals are a widely used nonlinear optical material, designed for frequency conversion processes such as SHG, OPO, and DFG. With a transparency range from 450 nm to 4500 nm, PPLN crystals are ideal for generating coherent radiation in the visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared regions. Their periodically poled structure ensures highly efficient nonlinear interactions. PPLN crystals are extensively employed in telecommunications, spectroscopy, and quantum optics. They are valued for their compact size, high damage thresholds, and ability to generate tunable wavelengths with exceptional precision.
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AgGaS2 Crystals

AgGaS2 (Silver Gallium Sulfide) crystals are widely recognized for their nonlinear optical properties and extensive transparency range from 0.5 μm to 12 μm. These crystals are commonly used in mid-infrared frequency conversion, including SHG, OPO, and SFG. AgGaS2 crystals are highly efficient for generating tunable laser outputs in the MIR region, making them ideal for applications like gas detection, medical imaging, and laser spectroscopy. Their excellent phase-matching capabilities and high damage thresholds make them a preferred choice for high-power laser systems.
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AgGaSe2 Crystals

AgGaSe2 (Silver Gallium Selenide) crystals are premium nonlinear optical materials with a wide transparency range extending from 0.7 μm to 18 μm. Known for their high nonlinear coefficients and phase-matching versatility, AgGaSe2 crystals are ideal for applications such as OPO, SHG, and DFG in the mid-infrared range. They are extensively used in gas sensing, laser surgery, and environmental monitoring. AgGaSe2 crystals deliver exceptional performance in high-power laser systems, thanks to their superior thermal and mechanical properties, ensuring durability and reliability in challenging environments.
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POC's Nonlinear Crystal Library provides a one-stop solution for exploring and selecting the best nonlinear crystals for your needs. From frequency conversion to advanced laser systems, these crystals power cutting-edge photonic technologies. Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a consultation with our experts.