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PPLN Crystal

POC-OC-122423-PPLN Crystal

  • Wide Transparency Range: Covers a broad range from 0.4 μm to 4.5 μm, suitable for diverse applications.
  • High Nonlinear Efficiency: Optimized for quasi-phase-matching (QPM) processes with precision fabrication.
  • Customizable Poling Periods: Supports temperature-controlled QPM applications for enhanced wavelength flexibility.
  • Long Operational Lifespan: Durable material ideal for high-power and long-term applications.
  • Broad Application Range: Effective for optical parametric oscillation (OPO), second-harmonic generation (SHG), and sum-frequency generation (SFG).

Customizable Components Available for This Material to Meet Your Specific Needs!

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Material General Description of  PPLN Crystal 

Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN) is a highly efficient nonlinear crystal designed for wavelength conversion processes. Its wide transparency range (0.4–4.5 μm) and high damage threshold make it suitable for demanding photonic applications. PPLN is fabricated with precision-controlled periodic domains, enabling quasi-phase matching (QPM) for nonlinear optical processes such as second-harmonic generation (SHG), sum-frequency generation (SFG), and optical parametric oscillation (OPO).

The use of PPLN in OPO applications facilitates wavelength tuning from 3 μm to 4.5 μm, providing exceptional efficiency and output power. With proper temperature control, PPLN crystals enable high-accuracy wavelength tuning and consistent performance, making them a popular choice in fields like quantum optics, spectroscopy, and medical imaging

 

General Applications and Examples of  PPLN Crystal 

PPLN crystals are widely utilized in nonlinear optics due to their broad transparency range and efficient phase-matching properties. Key applications include:

  1. Second-Harmonic Generation (SHG):
    • Converts infrared laser light into visible or near-infrared wavelengths with high efficiency.
    • Example: PPLN is used in green laser systems for spectroscopy and biomedical imaging.
  2. Optical Parametric Oscillation (OPO):
    • Generates mid-infrared wavelengths (3 μm–4.5 μm) using a pump source at 1064 nm.
    • Example: Mid-infrared OPO systems based on PPLN are used in gas sensing and environmental monitoring.
  3. Difference Frequency Generation (DFG):
    • Combines 1064 nm and 775 nm pump sources to generate output in the 2400–3000 nm range.
    • Example: PPLN-based DFG is employed in advanced spectroscopy systems.
  4. Sum-Frequency Generation (SFG):
    • Combines 1550 nm and other wavelengths (e.g., 780 nm or 810 nm) to generate green laser light.
    • Example: SFG processes in PPLN crystals are used in biomedical imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Chemical and Structural Properties

Property

Value

Chemical Formula

LiNbO3

Crystal Structure

Trigonal

Transparency Range

0.4 μm–4.5 μm

Nonlinear Coefficient

d33 = 27 pm/V

Damage Threshold

> 500 MW/cm² (at 1064 nm)

Poling Period

4–200 μm (standard and custom)

Refractive Index (1064 nm)

n_o = 2.23, n_e = 2.14

Thermal Conductivity

~4.74 W/m·K

Optical and Nonlinear Optical Properties

Property

Value

Nonlinear Process

Quasi-Phase Matching (QPM)

Conversion Efficiency

Up to 50%

Phase Matching Type

Type I and Type II

Coherence Length

~30 μm

Effective Nonlinear Coefficient (deff)

16 pm/V (QPM-enhanced)

Standard Fabrication Specifications

Specification

Value

Dimensions

0.5 × 5 × 20 mm (typical)

Poling Period

6.8 μm (standard), customizable

Surface Flatness

Lambda/6 @ 632.8 nm

Parallelism

< 10 arc seconds

Perpendicularity

< 10 arc minutes

Surface Quality

10-5 Scratch-Dig

Spectrum Transmission Curve:

The spectrum transmission range of PPLN crystals extends from 0.4 µm to 4.5 µm. This broad range enables compatibility with mid-IR and visible wavelength applications. Below is an approximation of transmission data derived from standard measurements:

  • Transmission Efficiency: >90% within the range of 0.5 µm to 4.2 µm.
  • Spectral Loss: Negligible in the 3–4 µm mid-IR range, with high consistency across wavelengths.

Coating Specification:

Coating Type

Specifications

Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating

R < 0.2% for specified wavelengths

Custom Coatings

Available upon request

  • Adhesion Test Compliant with MIL-C-675C military standards, an adhesion test involved applying a tape that meets LT-90 specifications onto the lens film layer. The tape was affixed fully and then removed vertically. This procedure was performed three times, resulting in no blistering or peeling.
  • Temperature Test In line with MIL-C-675C specifications, test pieces were subjected to temperatures of -62±1℃ and 71±1℃. After maintaining them at room temperature (16℃~32℃) for two hours, the adhesion test was repeated, confirming no film detachment.
  • Abrasion Resistance Test Conforming to MIL-C-675C and CCC-C-440 standards, the abrasion resistance test involved a gauze tester applying a minimum force of 1.0 lbs (0.45 kg) to the film. This was repeated 25 times with gauze widths of 1/4 inch (6.4mm) and 3/8 inch (9.5mm), ensuring no damage occurred to the film surface.
  • Humidity Test Under MIL-C-675C criteria, the test piece was placed in a controlled temperature and humidity chamber set to 49 ±2℃ and 95%~100% humidity for 24 hours. The film remained intact, with no peeling, scratches, or other defects.
  • Solvent and Cleaning Testing Following MIL-C-675C specifications, test pieces were exposed to room temperature conditions (16℃~32℃) and tested with acetone and alcohol for at least 10 minutes each. After air drying and subsequent cleaning with a cotton cloth soaked in alcohol, the film surface showed no signs of peeling or scratches.
  • Salt Spray Test After 100 hours in a 35°C environment with a 5% saltwater concentration, the film showed no signs of damage.

 

POC Strength and Capabilities

Photonics On Crystals (POC) is a leading supplier of high-quality nonlinear optical crystals, specializing in PPLN crystals for advanced photonics applications. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and extensive expertise in material science, POC offers tailored solutions for quantum optics, spectroscopy, and industrial laser systems. Our commitment to quality ensures every product meets the highest standards of precision and performance.

Standard Products

Product Code

Dimensions (mm)

Poling Period (μm)

Price (USD)

PPLN-01

0.5 × 5 × 20

6.8

500

PPLN-02

1 × 10 × 40

4.5

750

Custom-PPLN

Customizable

Customizable

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POC-OC-122423-PPLN Crystal

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