CsZrOAsO4: New Nonlinear Material for Laser Applications

There is a need for optical materials with large nonlinear coefficients and high laser damage thresholds for tunable laser operation in the 2-5um region. This proposal describes a new member of the KTP family CsZrOAsO4 (CZA), which is expected to have superior properties in comparison to KTP. An empirical relationship between nonlinear properties and dielectric molecular polarizability indicates that CZA should meet these requirements. The synthesis, crystal growth and characterization of this new material is outlined and will utilize essential processes previously developed for KTP, KTA and CTA. The benefits of this program will be the preparation of a new material with very large nonlinear optical properties. Efforts can then be concentrated on growth of commercial size crystals and refinement of optical quality. This will result in a domestic source of large, inexpensive nonlinear crystals for device applications in both military and commercial laser systems.