Crystal (programming language)

Biology

Materials science

Layering

Computer science

Botany

Laser

Physics

Organic chemistry

Optics

Nonlinear optics

Chemistry

Programming language

Second-harmonic generation

Beryllium

Optoelectronics

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

KBe2 BO3 F2 (KBBF) is still the only practically usable crystal that can generate deep-ultraviolet (DUV) coherent light by direct second harmonic generation (SHG). However, applications are hindered by layering, leading to difficulty in the growth of thick crystals and compromised mechanical integrity. Despite efforts, it is still a great challenge to discover new nonlinear optical (NLO) materials that overcome the layering while keeping the DUV SHG available. Now, two new DUV NLO beryllium borates have been successfully designed and synthesized, NH4 Be2 BO3 F2 (ABBF) and γ-Be2 BO3 F (γ-BBF), which not only overcome the layering but also can be used as next-generation DUV NLO materials with the shortest type I phase-matching second-harmonic wavelength down to 173.9 nm and 146 nm, respectively. Significantly, γ-BBF is superior to KBBF in all metrics and would be the most outstanding DUV NLO crystal.

NH4 Be2 BO3 F2 and γ-Be2 BO3 F: Overcoming the Layering Habit in KBe2 BO3 F2 for the Next-Generation Deep-Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Materials