High-average-power light source below 200 nm from a KBe(2)BO(3)F(2) prism-coupled device

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Deep ultraviolet (DUV) light sources are crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Developing efficient and stable DUV laser systems remains a significant challenge in photonics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the generation of deep ultraviolet (DUV) light using a KBe(2)BO(3)F(2) crystal.
• To evaluate the output power, stability, and spectral characteristics of the DUV laser source.

Main Methods:

• A 2.3 mm thick KBe(2)BO(3)F(2) crystal was optically contacted with CaF(2).
• The crystal was integrated into a prism-coupled device for DUV generation.
• Output power and spectral width were measured at specific wavelengths (200 nm and 193.5 nm).

Main Results:

• An average output power of 360 mW was achieved at 200 nm.
• Long-term stability was confirmed at power levels exceeding 150 mW at 200 nm.
• An output power of 50 mW with a narrow spectral width of 0.007 pm was obtained at 193.5 nm.

Conclusions:

• The KBe(2)BO(3)F(2) crystal in a prism-coupled device is a viable method for generating high-power, stable deep ultraviolet light.
• The demonstrated performance indicates potential for this DUV laser source in applications requiring precise wavelengths and high intensity.