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

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2022-07, Vol.908, p.164633, Article 164633
• Main Authors: Broasca, Alin, Greculeasa, Madalin, Voicu, Flavius, Stanciu, George, Hau, Stefania, Gheorghe, Cristina, Gheorghe, Lucian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical composition; Crystal growth; Crystals; Czochralski method; Czochralski technique; Lasers; NLO crystal; Nonlinear optics; Optical properties; Orange lasers; Phase matching; Pr3+ ions; Refractivity; SFD crystal; Single crystals; Spectral emittance
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.164633

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 La0.656Pr0.022Gd0.572Sc2.75(BO3)4 and La0.651Pr0.027Gd0.572Sc2.75(BO3)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 La0.750Pr0.020Gd0.450Sc2.780(BO3)4 and La0.743Pr0.025Gd0.452Sc2.780(BO3)4 corresponding to a Pr3+ 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 d11 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.