A New Nonlinear Optical Crystal-BaAlBO3F2(BABF)

We have discovered a new nonlinear optical (NLO) alumino-borate BaAlBO3F2 (BABF) crystal. BABF has a structure similar to that of KBe2BO3F2 (KBBF) but can easily be grown as grow large crystals and does not contain toxic elements in its composition. In this paper, we will discuss about the BABF crystal growth and its crystal structure. We have also measured its preliminary optical characteristics. BABF crystal can be grown with dimensions of 15×15×3.5 tmm3. The UV absorption edge of BABF is very short (165 nm). BABF was found to have a powder second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency about twice than that of KH2PO4 (KDP). It exhibits that BABF is an excellent candidate for frequency mixing into the ultraviolet (UV).