Growth and characterization of Ca5(BO3)3F fiber crystals, a new nonlinear optical material for UV light generation

For the first time, Ca5(BO3)3F (CBF) fiber crystals were grown by the micro-pulling down technique from LiF-based flux. Regular and transparent fibers were obtained with good optical quality. Characterization by Raman spectroscopy and EDX microprobe showed fibers compositionally homogeneous. The specific heat capacity of the fibers was measured indicating a laser damage threshold slightly lower, at room temperature, than for crystals belonging to the related rare earth calcium oxoborate family.

► CBF fiber crystals are grown for the first time by the micro-pulling down technique.
► Influence of the couple growth rate/capillary diameter on the crystal quality.
► How to grow regular and transparent fibers.
► First specific heat capacity measurement.