Periodically poled optical crystals and process for the production thereof

Abstract

Periodically poled crystals and a hydrothermal growth method for making such are disclosed. Electronically periodically poled crystals are employed as seed crystals in a hydrothermal growth process in order to produce novel crystals having deep ferroelectric domains.

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       19 . An optical crystal having periodically inverted domains and a depth of at least 3 mm, wherein the inverted domains extend through the entire depth of the crystal.  
   
   
       20 . The crystal set forth in  claim 19  wherein the crystal comprises two distinct, periodically spaced domains.  
   
   
       21 . The crystal set forth in  claim 19  wherein the crystal comprises three distinct, periodically spaced domains.  
   
   
       22 . The crystal set forth in  claim 19  wherein the crystal comprises potassium titanyl phosphate.  
   
   
       23 . The crystal set forth in  claim 19  wherein the crystal is selected from the group consisting of RbTiOPO 4 , KTiOAsO 4 , RbTiOAsO 4 , Rb 1-x K x TiOPO 4 , Rb 1-x K x TiOAsO 4 , Sr x Ba (1-x) Ns 2 O 6 , Ba 2 NaNb 5 O 15 , LiNbO 3  and its isomorphs, BaTiO 3  and its isomorphs, LiTaO 3 , KnBO 3 , KTaO 3 , NaTaO 3 , Pb(Ln)ZrO 3 , Pb(Ln)Zr(Ti)O 3 , ZnO, and ZnS.  
   
   
       24 . The crystal set forth in  claim 19  having a depth greater than 5 mm.