Pr:LGSB as a new nonlinear optical crystal: Czochralski growth and optical characterization

Abstract

Herein, we report on the Czochralski growth and optical characterization of Pr:LGSB as a new nonlinear optical (NLO) and laser crystal. Single crystals of Pr:LGSB were grown by the Czochralski method, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, from the starting melt compositions La 0.656 Pr 0.022 Gd 0.572 Sc 2.75 (BO 3 ) 4 and La 0.651 Pr 0.027 Gd 0.572 Sc 2.75 (BO 3 ) 4 . The crystal growth parameters were optimized and two Pr:LGSB crystals with good optical quality were obtained. The chemical compositions of the grown crystals were determined to be La 0.750 Pr 0.020 Gd 0.450 Sc 2.780 (BO 3 ) 4 and La 0.743 Pr 0.025 Gd 0.452 Sc 2.780 (BO 3 ) 4 corresponding to a Pr 3+ ions concentration in the crystals of 2.0 at% and 2.5 at%, respectively. The spectroscopic properties were investigated and the obtained results show that the 2.5 at% Pr:LGSB is a promising laser crystal emitting in the orange spectral range at ~ 603 nm. The refractive indices were measured and the phase-matching curves for type I and type II SHG were determined. The walk-off angle, the external angular acceptance, and the nonlinear coefficient d 11 for type I SHG of 603 nm fundamental wavelength were also evaluated. This work shows that the 2.5 at% Pr:LGSB crystal could be a new promising candidate for obtaining laser sources in the UV range (~ 301.5 nm) in SFD configuration. • Pr:LGSB crystal were grown by the Czochralski method for the first time. • Spectroscopic and NLO properties of the 2.5 at% Pr:LGSB crystal are presented. • 2.5 at% Pr:LGSB has promising properties for laser emission in the orange domain. • Phase-matching curves for type I and type II SHG are determined. • Preliminary prospects for SFD in the UV domain were analyzed.