Proton and gamma radiation tests on nonlinear crystals

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Materials science
• Radiation physics

Background:

• Nonlinear optical crystals are crucial for harmonic generation.
• Understanding crystal performance under radiation is vital for applications in high-energy environments.
• Previous studies have not comprehensively assessed BBO, LBO, and KTP crystals under diverse proton and gamma irradiation conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of proton and gamma irradiation on the second-harmonic generation (SHG) performance of nonlinear crystals.
• To investigate changes in transmission spectra of Beta-barium borate (BBO), lithium triborate (LBO), and KTP crystals post-irradiation.
• To identify suitable nonlinear optical materials for SHG applications in radiative environments.

Main Methods:

• Proton irradiation of BBO, LBO, and KTP crystals at energies of 8, 70, and 300 MeV.
• Gamma irradiation of crystals up to doses of 139 krad.
• Measurement of SHG performance and transmission spectra before and after irradiation.

Main Results:

• BBO and LBO crystals exhibited sustained SHG performance after proton and gamma irradiation.
• KTP crystals showed degradation in SHG performance under irradiation.
• Transmission spectra of BBO and LBO remained largely unchanged, indicating good radiation resistance.

Conclusions:

• Beta-barium borate (BBO) and lithium triborate (LBO) are suitable nonlinear optical materials for second-harmonic generation (SHG) applications in environments with proton and gamma radiation.
• KTP crystals are less suitable for SHG under these radiative conditions.
• The findings support the use of BBO and LBO in radiation-intensive scientific and technological applications.