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Published on: April 14, 2020
UV-induced nonlinear absorption in lanthanum calcium borate single crystals
I V Kityk1, A Majchrowski, E Michalski
1Institute of Physics, J. Dlugosz Academy of Czestochowa, Al. Armii Krajowej 13/15, Czestochowa, Poland. i.kityk@ajd.czest.pl
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|May 5, 2006
Summary
Lanthanum calcium borate crystals exhibit UV-induced two-photon absorption (TPA). This phenomenon, enhanced by UV laser pumping, shows promising nonlinear optical properties for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Lanthanum calcium borate (La2CaB10O19) is a crystalline material with potential nonlinear optical properties.
- Two-photon absorption (TPA) is a nonlinear optical process where a material absorbs two photons simultaneously.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the UV-induced two-photon absorption (TPA) in lanthanum calcium borate (La2CaB10O19) crystals.
- To determine the influence of UV laser pumping on TPA properties.
- To compare the TPA coefficients with other known materials like BiB3O6.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Z-scan method for TPA measurements.
- Employed a UV laser (Xe-F, lambda = 217 nm) as a photoinducing (pumping) beam.
- Performed measurements in the spectral range of 475-1130 nm using the third harmonics of a Nd-YAG laser.
Main Results:
- Observed UV-induced TPA in La2CaB10O19 crystals.
- Identified a thin surface layer (80-90 nm) as the source of photoinduced TPA.
- Found that TPA coefficients were highest when pumping light polarization aligned with the second-order crystallographic axis.
- Achieved TPA coefficients exceeding those of BiB3O6 crystals.
Conclusions:
- La2CaB10O19 crystals demonstrate significant UV-induced TPA, particularly under specific pumping conditions.
- The observed photoinduced TPA is attributed to a thin surface layer created by UV laser illumination.
- These findings highlight La2CaB10O19 as a promising material for nonlinear optical applications requiring TPA.
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