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BBO Nonlinear Crystal 

Beta-Barium Borate Crystal: BBO Nonlinear Crystal

Avantier grows BBO Nonlinear crystals with flux technology. BBO crystal transparency ranges from 188 nm to 5.2 µm, which includes reasonable transparency from 3-5.2 µm for a few tens µm thick crystals, while their phase matching ranges span almost over the entire transparency range. Combined with other magnificent properties of BBO, it is favorable for numerous nonlinear parametric applications. It is worth mentioning that BBO crystals have the high power non-linearity in the UV range out of all common nonlinear optical crystals.

Exceptional Nonlinearity and High Damage Threshold

BBO crystals are noted for their high power non-linearity, particularly in the UV range, surpassing other common nonlinear optical crystals. They also boast a high damage threshold of 750 MW/cm² at 1064 nm (TEM00, 10 ns, 10 Hz), making them suitable for high-intensity laser applications.

BBO Crystals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0ZuaNvU3m8
Factory Standard Specifications

Tolerance of Cutting Angle

△θ±0.25°, △φ≤±0.25°

Tolerance of Dimension

Dimension+0/-0.1 mm，L：±0.1mm

Flatness

λ/10 @ 632.8nm

Wavefront Distortion

λ/8@ 632.8nm

Surface Quality

10/5  per MIL-O-13830A

Parallelism

20″

Perpendicularity

5′

Clear Aperture

> 90% 

Chamfer

< 0.1 mm @ 45°

Size

Upon customer request

Coating

AR coatings / PR coatings upon request

Damage Threshold

750MW/CM2 at 1064nm, TEM00, 10ns, 10Hz

Quality Warranty Period

  One year under proper use
Advantages

Broad Phase Match Range

409.6 nm to 3500 nm;

Wide Transmission Region

190 nm to 3500 nm;

Damage Threshold

High

Temperature-Bandwidth

55℃

Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) coefficient;

High effective

High Optical Homogeneity 

δn ≈10-6/cm

Main Applications
  • Harmonic generation (up to fifth) of pulsed Nd-doped crystal-based lasers.
  • Frequency doubling, a tripling of pulsed: Ti Sapphire lasers, Yb-doped, dye lasers.
  • Characterization of ultrashort laser pulses by FROG, XFROG, SPIDER, dispersion scan, and chirp scan methods.
  • OPA and OPO.
  • Pockels’ Cell

Advanced Applications

  • Frequency Doubling and Frequency Conversion
    • BBO crystals are extensively used for frequency doubling (second harmonic generation) and tripling (third harmonic generation) of pulsed lasers, including Ti:Sapphire, Yb-doped, and dye lasers.
    • Sum frequency generation is also efficiently achieved using BBO crystals.
  • Harmonic Generation
    • Capable of harmonic generation up to the fifth order for pulsed Nd-doped crystal-based lasers.
  • Ultrashort Pulse Characterization
    • Techniques such as FROG (Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating), XFROG, SPIDER, dispersion scan, and chirp scan methods utilize BBO crystals for characterizing ultrashort laser pulses.
  • Optical Parametric Amplifiers (OPA) and Oscillators (OPO)
    • BBO crystals play a critical role in the functioning of OPAs and OPOs due to their excellent phase matching and nonlinear properties.
  • Pockels Cells
    • Used in electro-optic applications, including Pockels cells for modulating laser beams.
  • Laser Systems
    • Integration with YAG lasers and various other laser systems, benefiting from single layer coatings that enhance performance.
    • The group velocity matching and phase matching ranges of this type of crystals are crucial for optimizing laser system performance.
  • Broad Transparency Range
    • BBO crystals offer a broad transparency range from 188 nm to 5.2 µm, making them suitable and versatile for various laser systems and optical applications.
  • Group Velocity Mismatch
    • BBO crystals also address the challenge of group velocity mismatch in certain applications.
    • The group velocity matching and phase matching ranges of these crystals are crucial for optimizing laser system performance, especially in applications requiring precise synchronization of ultrashort pulses.
  • Laser Sources and Peak Powers
    • BBO crystals are essential for high-intensity laser systems, enabling high peak powers without damage.
    • This makes them ideal for advanced scientific and industrial applications.
  • Antireflection (AR) Coatings
    • AR coatings can be applied to BBO crystals to reduce surface reflections and enhance transmission efficiency.
    • These coatings improve the overall performance of the optical system by minimizing losses due to reflection.
  • Harmonic Generation of Nd Lasers
    • BBO crystals are highly effective in the harmonic generation of Nd lasers, enabling second, third, and higher-order harmonic generation.
    • This capability is crucial for expanding the wavelength range and enhancing the versatility of Nd laser systems.
  • Linear Optical Properties
    • BBO crystals exhibit excellent linear optical properties, such as high optical homogeneity and low birefringence, contributing to their high performance and reliability in nonlinear optical applications.

Customization and Consultation

Avantier’s expertise in crafting precise lenses and optic components ensures that each crystal can be tailored to the exact angle and specifications required for optimal performance in specific applications. Whether you are working on cutting-edge research or developing commercial laser systems, Avantier is committed to providing the highest quality optical solutions involving BBO crystals. We’d be happy to discuss your project!  Contact us to schedule a consultation or get a quote.

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