Growth and noncritical phase-matching third-harmonic-generation of Gd_xY_1-xCa₄O(BO₃)₃ crystal

A series of solid-solution crystals Gd_xY_1-xCa₄O(BO₃)₃ (Gd_xY_1-xCOB) (x = 0-1) were grown by the Czochralski (CZ) method. The distribution coefficients of Gd³⁺ and Y³⁺ ions in Gd_xY_1-xCOB crystal are 0.952 and 1.069, respectively, which were measured by X-ray fluorescent analysis. So Y³⁺ ions are easier to incorporate into Gd_xY_1-xCOB crystal lattice than Gd³⁺ ions. The composition of crystal from the seed to the bottom is homogeneous. The noncritical phase-matching (NCPM) third-harmonic generation (THG) of Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm) can be realized in Gd_0.37Y_0.63COB crystal along the Y-principal axis. The UV cutoff of Gd_0.37Y_0.63 COB is at 320 nm when measured by HITARCHI U-3500 spectrophotometer. For the first time, THG experiments of Gd_0.37Y_0.63COB crystal were performed using Q-switched Nd: YAG laser. The output energy is up to 88.2 mJ at 355 nm when the input energy is 600mJ for 11mm long Gd_0.37Y_0.63COB crystal. The THG optical-optical conversion efficiency of Gd_0.37Y_0.63COB crystal is 14.7%.