LBO – Lithium triborate

>25 J/cm² @ 355 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz | 160 nm – 2600 nm

Due to their high damage threshold and wide transparency range, LBO (Lithium triborate) crystals are primarily used for second harmonic generation (SHG), also known as frequency doubling, and third harmonic generation (THG). These crystals can be heated for protection or performance stabilisation, making them suitable for high-power applications.

The leading advantage of 3photon technology is its ability to eliminate all surface damage and coating absorption, achieving an almost equivalent damage threshold to bulk crystals: >20 J/cm² @ 355 nm, 5 ns for single-band AR-coated LBO crystals, or >15 J/cm² @ 266 nm. This enables excellent performance at very high intensities with high conversion efficiency.

• • Advantages and Features
  • Transparency range: 160 nm to 2600 nm
  • Low absorption at 340–1064 nm
  • No gray-tracking issues; ideal for high-power second harmonic generation (SHG)
  • Broadband or multi-wavelength anti-reflective (AR) or protective (P) coatings for OPA/OPO applications
  • High Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) for third harmonic generation (THG): >25 J/cm² @ 355 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz
  • High Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) for fourth harmonic generation (FHG): >15 J/cm² @ 266 nm, 10 ns, 10 Hz (1064 nm with 355 nm mixing required)
  • Non-critical phase-matching (NCPM) conditions for SHG @ 1064 nm (150°C), with no walk-off displacement (ovens available upon request)
  • Technical consultation or performance simulations for specific applications are available upon request
  • • Typical applications

    
    

    LBO crystals are widely used in various laser systems, including diode-pumped, medium, and high-power lasers, for the following applications:

    • Industrial lasers for material processing, cutting, and engraving at 532 nm or 355 nm
    • Research and development (R&D) lasers used by universities and research centres
    • Medical lasers, especially for ophthalmology applications and hair or tattoo removal
    • Military and defence lasers