Nonlinear optical properties of Ca_5(BO_3)_3F crystal

A high quality Ca(5)(BO(3))(3)F (CBF) crystal, grown by flux method, was investigated for its non linear optical properties. This material is non hygroscopic and possesses a moderate birefringence suitable for UV light generation. On the basis of its refractive index dispersion curves, it is inferred that CBF has great potential applications as non linear optical material, notably for UV light generation at 355 and 266 nm. In order to characterize its non linear optical properties, CBF samples were first cut and oriented in phase matching conditions for second harmonic generation of 1064 nm. Experimental results demonstrate that CBF has the moderate NLO coefficients. The optical conversion efficiency from 1064 nm to 532 nm was investigated for the first time: up to 54% were achieved. Non linear d(eff) coefficients were also estimated as well as the external angular acceptance bandwidth of SHG at 1064 nm.