Electro-optic, linear, and nonlinear optical properties of KDP and its isomorphs

Abstract The electro-optic, linear, and nonlinear optical properties of KDP and its isomorphs are reviewed. Figures of merit for doubling and tripling by sum-frequency generation are presented and used to compare and contrast these crystals for nonlinear optics devices. Current research areas, such as high-average-power applications, and optical damage resistance are reviewed.