Yttrium Orthovanadate (YVO₄) is a positive uniaxial crystal grown using the Czochralski method. Known for its exceptional thermal stability and mechanical durability, YVO₄ crystals are widely used in optical applications requiring high transmittance and birefringence. The crystal exhibits low hygroscopicity and is highly resistant to deliquescence, making it suitable for long-term use in humid environments. With its optical transparency extending from the visible to mid-infrared spectrum (0.4–5 µm), YVO4 Crystal is an excellent synthetic alternative to naturally occurring birefringent materials like Calcite and Rutile. Its robust optical properties, combined with its stability, make it ideal for manufacturing optical isolators, beam displacers, and circulators.
YVO₄ crystals find extensive applications in:
Examples include optical circulators in telecommunication systems, beam displacers for spectroscopy, and polarizers in advanced imaging systems.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal structure | Zircon tetragonal, space group D₄h |
| Lattice constants | a = b = 7.12 Å, c = 6.29 Å |
| Density | 4.22 g/cm³ |
| Mohs hardness | 5 (glass-like) |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | αₐ = 4.43 × 10⁻⁶/K, αᶜ = 11.37 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Thermal conductivity | a-axis: 5.23 W/m·K, c-axis: 5.10 W/m·K |
| Refractive indices | nₑ = 2.1554 (at 1550 nm), nₒ = 1.9447 |
| Birefringence (nₑ – nₒ) | 0.2039 (at 1550 nm) |
| Transparency range | 0.4 to 5 µm |
| Hygroscopic susceptibility | Non-hygroscopic |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Refractive indices | nₑ = 2.1554 (at 1550 nm), nₒ = 1.9447 |
| Birefringence (nₑ – nₒ) | 0.2039 (at 1550 nm) |
| Walk-off angle at 45° | 5.69° |
| Transparency range | 0.4 to 5 µm |
| Sellmeier equation | n² = A + (B/(λ²-C)), parameters provided |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 1.0 x 1.0 mm² to 4 x 4 mm² |
| Dimension tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Wedge angle tolerance | ±0.1° |
| Optical axis orientation | ±0.5° |
| Parallelism | ≤ 20 arc sec |
| Flatness | λ/4 @ 633 nm |
| Surface quality (scratch/dig) | 20/10 to MIL-PRF-13830B |
| Chamfer | 0.2 mm x 45° |
The transmission curve exhibits a high transmittance range between 0.4 µm and 5 µm. The data is consistent with low absorption losses, ensuring excellent optical clarity for applications such as polarizers and circulators.
| Face Dimensions | Length | End Faces | Doping | Coatings | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 x 1.0 mm² | 5 mm | Brewster-angle cut | 0% | AR@1550 nm | $200 |
| 2.0 x 2.0 mm² | 10 mm | Right-angle cut | 0% | AR@1550 nm and 1310 nm | $250 |
| 3.0 x 3.0 mm² | 15 mm | Brewster-angle cut | 0% | AR@1550 nm | $300 |
| Custom Dimensions | – | Upon Request | – | Upon Request | Upon Request |
