Z-Scan Measurements of the Nonlinear Properties of Crystal Hosts for All-Solid-State UV Lasers

We determined the nonlinear Kerr refractive index (n2 of LiBaF3 and LiLuF4 undoped crystals, by means of Z-scan measurements at 1064 nm. These materials are suitable for Ce3+ doping to obtain broadband laser emission in the UV. These n2 values (2.0x10–16 and 1.5x10–16 cm2/W at 1064 nm, respectively) are important for the characterization of new optical materials in view of the development of high peak power laser oscillators and amplifiers.