Nonlinear optical crystal development at the USAF Wright Laboratory

Abstract

Wright laboratory materials directorate has been the primary DoD organization developing nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. This effort has resulted in numerous successes, especially in the development of new NLO crystals for use in laser sources. These crystals significantly enhance laser performance by making possible wavelength shifting and tunability and higher power. Technical progress has been made in developing several crystals which together cover the spectral range from middle ultraviolet to the far infrared. One crystal in particular, zinc germanium phosphide, has already demonstrated average power of 3.5 watts tunable over much of the mid-infrared atmospheric window. Significant improvements have also been made with extending the transparency range and laser-damage resistance of the KTP family of compounds.