Growth and optical properties of the novel nonlinear optical crystal NaSr3Be3B3O9F4

Abstract

The new UV nonlinear optical crystal NaSr₃Be₃B₃O₉F₄ with dimensions up to 13 × 14 × 20 mm³ was successfully grown by the top-seeded solution growth method from LiF–NaF–B₂O₃ flux for the first time. The crystalline morphological faces are mainly (101), while (021) or (32) faces may occur depending on the direction of the seed applied. The crystalline quality of the as-grown crystal was evaluated by the X-ray rocking curve with the full-width at half-maximum being 0.013°. By a minimum deviation method, the refractive indices are measured from 235 to 2325 nm and fitted by the Sellmeier equations. Furthermore, the hardness, density and chemical stability of the crystal were also reported.