POC-OC-122415-ZnGeP2 Crystal

  • Wide transmission range from 0.74 μm to 12 μm.
  • High nonlinearity coefficient (75 pm/V) for efficient wavelength conversion.
  • Excellent thermal conductivity (35 W/m·K) for high-power applications.
  • Nominal absorption coefficient < 0.04 cm^-1 at 2.1 μm for o-wave applications.
  • Ideal for mid-IR OPOs and terahertz frequency generation.

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

Material General Description of  ZnGeP2 Crystal 

Zinc Germanium Phosphide (ZnGeP2) is a high-performance nonlinear optical crystal widely recognized for its exceptional properties in mid-infrared laser systems. It offers a broad transparency range from 0.74 μm to 12 μm, combined with a high nonlinear optical coefficient and excellent thermal conductivity, making it ideal for applications such as optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), difference frequency generation (DFG), and second harmonic generation (SHG).

ZnGeP2 crystals are particularly suited for high-power laser systems due to their low absorption coefficient and high laser-induced damage threshold. Their versatility extends to the generation of terahertz frequencies, remote sensing, and medical applications. At Photonics On Crystals (POC), we ensure high-quality fabrication and customization to meet specific application needs

 

General Applications and Examples of ZnGeP2 Crystal 

  1. Mid-Infrared Frequency Generation ZnGeP2 is extensively used for generating mid-IR radiation through DFG and OPO systems.
    Example: Producing laser wavelengths in the 2.5–12 μm range for gas detection and medical imaging.
  2. Terahertz Frequency Generation ZnGeP2’s nonlinear properties are ideal for generating terahertz frequencies for spectroscopy and imaging.
    Example: Generation of frequencies for security scanning and material characterization.
  3. High-Power Laser Applications The high thermal conductivity and damage threshold make ZnGeP2 suitable for military and industrial laser systems.
    Example: Military-grade countermeasure systems and material processing.
  4. Spectroscopic and Medical Applications ZnGeP2 is employed in spectroscopy for chemical analysis and in medical diagnostics for precise imaging.
    Example: Spectroscopic analysis of molecular compositions.

Chemical and Structural Properties

Property

Value

Chemical Formula

ZnGeP2

Crystal Structure

Tetragonal

Lattice Parameters

a = 5.467 Å, c = 10.801 Å

Density

4.13 g/cm³

Melting Point

1110 °C

Mohs Hardness

5

Thermal Conductivity

35 W/m·K

Transparency Range

0.74–12 μm

Optical and Nonlinear Optical Properties

Property

Value

Transparency Range

0.74–12 μm

Nonlinear Coefficient (d36)

75 pm/V

Refractive Index at 10.6 μm

n = 3.067

Absorption Coefficient

< 0.04 cm^-1 at 2.1 μm

Laser-Induced Damage Threshold

> 2 GW/cm² at 2.09 μm

Sellmeier Equation for Refractive Index

n² = A + (B * λ²) / (λ² – C)

Dispersion Equation Coefficients

A = 3.132, B = 1.297, C = 0.162

Standard Fabrication Specifications

Specification

Value

Dimension Tolerance (mm)

W ± 0.1 × H ± 0.1 × L ± 0.2

Surface Flatness

λ/8 @ 633 nm

Surface Quality (Scratch/Dig)

20/10 to MIL-PRF-13830B

Parallelism

< 30 arc sec

Perpendicularity

≤ 15 arc min

Angle Tolerance (°)

Δθ ≤ 0.5

Quality Warranty Period

One year under proper use

Spectrum Transmission Curve:

(Spectrum transmission curves for ZnGeP2 crystals are available upon request, showcasing excellent performance across the mid-IR spectrum.)

Coating Specification:

  • AR Coatings: Anti-reflective coatings for wavelengths from 0.74 μm to 12 μm, optimized for specific pump and signal wavelengths.
  • Custom Coatings: BBAR, HR, or dual-band coatings available upon request for specialized applications.
  • Durability: Coatings are optimized for high laser damage threshold and extended lifespan under extreme operating conditions.
  • 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) specializes in the production of high-quality ZnGeP2 crystals, delivering:

  • Customization Options: Tailored dimensions, coatings, and surface finishes to meet specific application requirements.
  • High Precision: Advanced fabrication techniques for superior optical homogeneity and precision.
  • Technical Expertise: Comprehensive support for product selection, system integration, and long-term performance optimization.

Standard Products

Product Code

Dimensions (mm)

Coating

Application

POC-ZnGeP2-12-10

10 × 10 × 10

AR @ 0.74–12 μm

Mid-IR Laser Radiation Conversion

POC-ZnGeP2-Infrared

12 × 12 × 12

BBAR @ Mid-IR

Optical Parametric Oscillators

POC-ZnGeP2-Custom

Customizable

On Request

All Mid-IR Applications