BaF2 Optical Crystals For Cross-Polarized Wave Generation

EKSMA OPTICS introduces [011] orientation BaF₂ optical crystals (XPW crystals) for Cross-Polarized Wave generation.

Cross-Polarized Wave (XPW) generation is a nonlinear third order process whereas fundamental and generated waves have the same frequency however generated wave is perpendicularly polarized to pump wave polarization.  Phase matching occurs over large bandwidth in XPW generation process. This means the same phase and group velocities for fundamental wave and XPW.

Cross-polarized wave (XPW) generation process is driven by the third order nonlinearity of the crystal,  and the anisotropy  of the  sensor.

The typical optical material used for cross-polarized wave (XPW) generation is Barium Fluoride (BaF₂) crystal with z ([001]) or holographic ([011]) crystallographic orientation. Theory predicts a maximum XPW energy convercion efficiency around 35% when using [011]-cut BaF₂ crystal with a concomitant pulse shortening factor of √3 corresponding to a pure third-order nonlinear process^[1].

BaF₂ optical crystals with orientation [011] for cross-polarized wave generation or other applications are available for fast off-the-shelf delivery. BaF₂ optical crystals with orientation [001] as well CaF₂ optical crystals are available on request.

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