CsB₄O₆F: A Congruent‐Melting Deep‐Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Material by Combining Superior Functional Units

Abstract

The discovery of new nonlinear optical (NLO) materials for coherent light generation in the deep-ultraviolet (DUV, wavelength below 200 nm) region is essential for the development of laser technologies. Herein, we report a new material CsB₄ O₆ F (CBF), which combines the superior structural properties of two well-known NLO materials, β-BaB₂ O₄ (BBO) and KBe₂ BO₃ F₂ (KBBF). CBF exhibits excellent DUV optical properties including a short cutoff edge (155 nm), a large SHG response (≈1.9×KDP), and a suitable birefringence that enables frequency doubling down to 171.6 nm. Remarkably, CBF melts congruently and shows an improved growth habit. In addition, our rational design strategy will contribute to the discovery of DUV NLO materials.