BaCaBO3F: A nonlinear optical crystal investigated for UV light generation

A single crystal of BaCaBO3F (BCBF) has been grown by the Czochralski pulling method in air. This compound was investigated for nonlinear optical applications especially in the ultraviolet. This BCBF material has a hexagonal structure with P6¯2m space group (Z=3) [D.A. Keszler, A. Akella, K.I. Schaffers, T. Alekel, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 329 (1994) 15]: its cell parameters are a=9.0489(8) Å and c=4.3257(4) Å. Its basic structural unit is [BO3]3− [D.A. Keszler, A. Akella, K.I. Schaffers, T. Alekel, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 329 (1994) 15] group. The UV absorption edge was measured at 210 nm. The refractive indices were measured by the minimum deviation technique and fitted to the Sellmeier equations. In this article, second harmonic generation (SHG) and third harmonic generation (THG) phase-matching angle calculations are discussed.