First Z-scan n2 measurements on crystal hosts for ultraviolet laser systems

We report the results of the first measurements of the non-linear Kerr refractive index, n2, for LiBaF3 and LiLuF4 crystal hosts, known as prospective UV-emitting tunable laser media when doped with Ce3+ ions. These n2 values (2.7×10-16 and 1.5×10-16 cm2/W at 532 nm, respectively), obtained using the well-established Z-scan technique, are important for the characterization of new optical materials particularly in relation to their potential ultrafast applications.