Optical Crystals

Optical crystals play a critical role in modern photonics, enabling advanced optical systems for various industries. These precision-engineered materials are tailored for high-performance applications in laser systems, imaging, telecommunications, and scientific research.

comparison table

Crystal
Transmission Range (μm)
Refractive Index
Key Features
Application
0.45 - 12
2.2
Broad transparency, high damage threshold, ideal for mid-IR laser applications
Medical diagnostics, mid-IR spectroscopy, environmental sensing
1.5 - 10
2.2
Strong absorption, passive Q-switch functionality, high thermal stability
Industrial and military laser systems, pulse generation
4 - 8
2.2
Wide absorption band, saturable absorber for high-pulse lasers, mid-IR performance
Atmospheric sensing, military targeting systems, optical communications

YAg

0.2 - 5
1.82
Low thermal expansion, excellent mechanical properties, versatile optical performance
High-power lasers, SHG, Raman scattering, industrial use
1.5 - 3
1.45 – 1.82 (material dependent)
Safe for eye operation, highly efficient for medical and lidar applications
Medical lasers, lidar, range-finding, safe laser applications
Varies (based on materials)
Varies (based on materials)
Combines strengths of multiple crystals, high-energy capability, optimized thermal performance
Industrial lasers, military-grade applications, high-energy systems

Cr²⁺/ZnS Crystal

Cr²⁺-doped ZnS crystals are widely used in mid-infrared laser systems. These crystals exhibit excellent optical properties, including broad transparency (0.45–12 µm) and high damage thresholds, making them suitable for ultra-short pulsed lasers and high-power laser systems. With exceptional gain characteristics, Cr²⁺/ZnS crystals are ideal for applications in medical diagnostics, environmental sensing, and mid-infrared spectroscopy.

Cobalt-doped zinc sulfide (Co²⁺/ZnS)

Co²⁺-doped ZnS crystals are another versatile optical material with strong absorption properties in the infrared range, typically spanning 1.5–10 µm. They are primarily employed as passive Q-switches in laser systems, facilitating high-energy pulse generation. Their stability and resistance to thermal degradation make them a preferred choice for industrial and military laser applications.

iron-doped zinc sulfide (Fe²⁺/ZnS)

Fe²⁺-doped ZnS crystals offer exceptional performance in mid-IR laser applications, particularly as saturable absorbers for high-energy, high-pulse lasers. With a wide absorption band in the 4–8 µm range, these crystals are pivotal in atmospheric sensing, military targeting systems, and free-space optical communications.

Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAg)

YAG crystals are renowned for their excellent thermal and mechanical properties, broad transmission range, and low thermal expansion. They are widely used in high-power lasers for industrial cutting and medical applications, as well as in second harmonic generation (SHG) and Raman scattering.

Eye-Safe Laser Crystal

Eye-safe laser crystals are specifically engineered for applications requiring safe operation within the human eye's safety range (commonly 1.5 µm). These crystals, such as Er:YAG and Tm:YLF, are widely adopted in medical, lidar, and range-finding systems. Their exceptional efficiency and reliability ensure superior performance in applications demanding high pulse energies.

Bonding Laser Crystals

Bonding laser crystals represent an advanced optical innovation, where different crystal materials are bonded together to optimize thermal and optical performance. These crystals are frequently used in high-energy laser systems, combining the strengths of various materials to achieve superior efficiency and reduced thermal effects. Bonded laser crystals are particularly beneficial in military-grade and industrial lasers, offering unmatched stability under extreme conditions.