LN Electro Optic Device
Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) is a common choice for
mid-range Pockels cells.
LN Crystals are grown, oriented, and cut to provide z-axis optical propagation. Lithium Niobate is a ferroelectric material with excellent electro-optic, nonlinear, and piezoelectric properties. Due to its high non-linear coefficient, LN is an option for second harmonic generation for Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.064 μm, as well as semiconductor lasers operating at 1.3 and 1.55 μm. While the RTP Electro Optical Cell provides better performance, Lithium niobate switches can provide low power & cost-effective solutions for specific applications.Technical Data
- Low Wavefront Distortion
- High Extinction Ratio
- Low Transmission Loss
- Precise Crystal Orientation
- Low Reflectance AR Coatings
- High nonlinear coefficient
Why Choose Raicol’s Lithium Niobate for SHG
High Nonlinear Efficiency
- Large nonlinear optical coefficient (d₃₃ ~27pm/V) – one of the highest available
- Efficient frequency conversion with lower pump power requirements
- Effective doubling from infrared to visible wavelengths
Optimized Wavelength Coverage
- Ideal for Nd:YAG systems – excellent performance at 1064 nm → 532 nm conversion
- Telecom compatibility – works efficiently with semiconductor lasers at 1.3–1.55 µm
- Broad transparency range (420-5200 nm) allows versatile applications
Cost-Effective Solution
- Lower material and processing costs compared to premium crystals like RTP
- Good performance-to-price ratio for standard SHG applications
- Accessible entry point for frequency conversion projects
Proven Technology
- Mature, well-understood material with established processing techniques
- Reliable performance in conventional laser systems
- Widely supported in the optics community
Raicol’s LN Expertise
From their MgO:PPLN products, Raicol offers:
- Periodically poled structures for enhanced quasi-phase matching
- Custom periodicities for specific wavelength requirements
- High-quality crystal growth with controlled domain structures
- Professional optical coatings (AR, DBAR, HR options)
When LN Makes Sense
Choose Raicol’s LN for SHG when you need:
- Standard power levels (not extreme high-power)
- Room temperature operation (controlled environments)
- Cost optimization over maximum performance
- Conventional laser wavelengths (especially 1064 nm, telecom bands)
- Established, proven technology rather than cutting-edge solutions
Note: For applications requiring extreme performance, wide temperature ranges, or very high power handling, Raicol would recommend their RTP-based solutions instead, where they hold significant technological leadership.
