Characteristics of nonlinear optical absorption and refraction for KDP and DKDP crystals

Abstract

High-quality KDP and DKDP crystals with 12%, 70% and 80%-deuterium content were grown by the conventional temperature cooling method. The nonlinear optical characteristics of K(DxH1-x)2PO4 crystals, including nonlinear absorption and refraction, were systematically investigated through the Z-scan method at λ = 532 nm. The results demonstrate the existence of nonlinear absorption and refraction, and a nonlinear refractive index with a positive sign indicates the generation of self-focusing effect. Moreover, the results indicate that nonlinear absorption and refraction were associated with crystal direction and structure, especially the distribution of H2PO4 - or D2PO4 - groups. For K(DxH1-x)2PO4 crystals, a similar rule of β was z > I > II, while n2 (or χR(3)) was z > II ≈I. These results will evoke more attention to KDP and DKDP applications, especially frequency conversion and electro-optic switch.