BiB3O6 (BIBO) Crystal Description
BiB3O6 (BIBO) is a newly developed nonlinear optical crystal. It possesses a large effective nonlinear coefficient, high damage threshold, and inertness with respect to moisture. Its nonlinear coefficient is 3.5 - 4 times higher than that of LBO, and 1.5 -2 times higher than that of BBO. It is a promising doubling crystal to produce a blue laser. The top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) technique is used at CASTECH for the growth of BIBO single crystals.
BiB3O6 (BIBO) Crystal Specifications
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Aperture
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1x1 ~ 15x15mm
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Length
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0.01 ~ 25mm
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Phase Matching Angle θ and φ
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Determined by different kinds of harmonic generation
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Phase Matching Type
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Type I or Type II
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End Configuration
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Flat or Brewster or Specified
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Coating
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P-coatings, AR-coatings, and mounts
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Angle Tolerance
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Δθ< ± 0.5°; Δφ< ±0.5°
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Dimension Tolerance
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(W ± 0.1mm) x (H ± 0.1mm) x (L + 0.2mm/-0.1mm)
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Flatness
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λ/8 @ 633nm
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Surface Quality
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10/5 scratch/dig per MIL-O-13830A
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Parallelism
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better than 20 arc seconds
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Perpendicularity
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5 arc minutes
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Wavefront Distortion
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less than λ/8 @ 633nm
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Clear Aperture
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> 90% central area
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BiB3O6 (BIBO) Crystal Application
- SHG and THG for middle and high power Nd: lasers at 1064nm
- SHG and THG of high power Nd: lasers at 1342nm & 1319nm for red and blue laser
- SHG for the Nd: Lasers at 914nm & 946nm for blue laser
- Optical Parametric Amplifiers (OPA) and Oscillators (OPO) application
- BIBO crystal has a higher laser damage threshold and higher second harmonic conversion efficiency.
- BIBO crystals are non-wet and can grow to large sizes.
BiB3O6 (BIBO) Crystal Features:
Wide Transparency Range: BIBO Crystal exhibits outstanding transparency from the ultraviolet (UV) to the infrared (IR) spectral regions, making it suitable for various frequency conversion processes and applications.
Large Nonlinear Coefficients: It boasts high nonlinear coefficients, contributing to efficient frequency doubling, sum frequency generation (SFG), and optical parametric processes.
High Damage Threshold: BIBO Crystal can withstand high-intensity laser beams, making it suitable for high-power laser systems without performance degradation.
Type I and Type II Phase Matching: It offers both Type I and Type II phase matching, providing flexibility in nonlinear optical processes.
BiB3O6 (BIBO) Crystal Benefits:
Efficient Frequency Conversion: BIBO Crystal is ideal for frequency doubling and parametric processes, allowing the generation of new wavelengths for various applications.
Broad Spectral Range: Its wide transparency range makes it versatile for diverse applications in laser technology, spectroscopy, and optical imaging.
High Damage Resistance: BIBO Crystal's robustness ensures long-term performance even in high-power laser systems.
BiB3O6 (BIBO) Crystal FAQs:
Q1 What are the advantages of BiB₃O₆ (BIBO) crystals compared to other nonlinear crystals?
- Higher nonlinear coefficient than KTP and BBO crystals.
- No hygroscopic behavior, making it easier to handle and maintain.
- High mechanical strength and thermal stability.
- Lower sensitivity to temperature fluctuations compared to some other nonlinear crystals.
Q2 How is a BiB₃O₆ (BIBO) crystal aligned for SHG?
BIBO crystals are cut and aligned at specific phase-matching angles to optimize their second harmonic generation efficiency. The typical phase-matching angle depends on the input laser wavelength.
Q3 What are the advantages of BIBO crystals over other nonlinear crystals?
BIBO crystals offer several advantages, including:
- High nonlinear optical coefficient (twice as large as KDP and LBO)
- Broad transparency range (189 nm - 3500 nm)
- High damage threshold
- Excellent thermal and mechanical stability
- Low hygroscopicity compared to some other nonlinear crystals
