Crystal growth and characterization of CTGS and Nd:CTGS for self-frequency-doubling applications

Abstract

Crystal materials with integrated functionalities are desirable for the miniaturization of future optical devices. In this paper, nonlinear optical crystals of Ca₃TaGa₃Si₂O₁₄ (CTGS) and Nd³⁺ doped CTGS (Nd:CTGS) were grown using the Czochralski pulling method and explored for self-frequency-doubling applications. Based on the refractive indexes, the optimum phase matching directions for CTGS crystals were determined for type I (38.7°, 30.0°) and type II (61.1°, 0°) orientations, with respective effective nonlinear optical coefficients on the order of 0.44 pm V⁻¹ and 0.34 pm V⁻¹. Self-frequency-doubling was realized in Nd:CTGS crystals [(38.7°, 30.0°) (type I)] for the first time, and 18.8 mW laser power at 533 nm was achieved.