Open AccessBiaxial crystal α-BaTeMo_2O_9: theory study of large birefringence and wide-band polarized prisms design
Author(s) -
Zeliang Gao,
Qian Wu,
Xitao Liu,
Youxuan Sun,
Xutang Tao
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.003851
Subject(s) - birefringence , refractive index , optics , materials science , crystal (programming language) , uniaxial crystal , extinction (optical mineralogy) , dispersion (optics) , extinction ratio , transmittance , crystal optics , optical axis , physics , wavelength , laser , lens (geology) , computer science , programming language
α-BaTeMo(2)O(9) is a novel biaxial crystal with wide-band transmittance spectrum. The refractive index dispersion curves and birefringence of the α-BaTeMo(2)O(9) crystal were obtained in spectral range of 0.4~5 μm. The origin of the birefringence for the crystal has been calculated and interpreted on the basis of the crystal structure combined with theoretical studies. The polarized directions and formulations of refractive index of optical waves in biaxial α-BaTeMo(2)O(9) were investigated by solving the refractive index ellipsoid equations. Furthermore, polarized prisms based on the α-BaTeMo(2)O(9) crystal used in spectral ranges of 0.4~2.7 μm and 0.48~4.5 μm were designed and characterized. The extinction ratios of both prisms were determined to be larger than 10000:1, which would satisfy the practical requirements. The impacts on extinction ratio for biaxial and uniaxial crystals were also discussed. To our knowledge, it is the first report about biaxial crystals for the polarized prisms, and the results show that the α-BaTeMo(2)O(9) crystal is a promising material for polarized optical components, especially in the range of 3~5 μm.