Gamma irradiation-induced absorption in single-domain and periodically-poled KTiOPO_4 and Rb:KTiOPO_4

Abstract

Gamma irradiation-induced absorption in single-domain and periodically-poled KTiOPO4 and Rb:KTiOPO4. Express, Access to the published version may require subscription. N.B. When citing this work, cite the original published paper. Optical Materials Abstract:We investigate the effect of gamma radiation on flux grown KTiOPO 4 and Rb:KTiOPO 4 samples, as well as their periodically poled variants. Specifically, we study the altered transmission due to color-center formation via gamma irradiation. We measured the transmission of our samples for varying radiation doses and demonstrate effective temperature annealing of gamma radiation induced color centers. We measured a maximum transmission difference of 2% in our samples, which was easily corrected with temperature annealing. No long term and permanent changes were found to be induced in our samples.

Proton radiation hardness of periodically poled Rb: KTiOPO4 for high-energy OPA at 2 µm

“…Due to radiation environment in low-Earth orbit (LEO) the components, including nonlinear crystals need to be sufficiently radiation-resistant to sustain mission with typical duration of 5 years. We have recently verified that gamma radiation has minimal impact on PPKTP [4].…”

High Energy Parametric Laser Source and Frequency-Comb-Based Wavelength Reference for CO2 and Water Vapor DIAL in the 2 µm Region: Design and Pre-Development Experimentations

“…Since PPKTP enables us to reach the highest nonlinear coefficient of KTP, without walk-off, it makes it an excellent candidate for high-efficiency, high-energy amplification with good beam quality [43][44][45]. In addition, gamma radiation testing showed a high tolerance of these crystals to the space environment, especially for infrared wavelengths [46]. To benefit from these advantages to generate pulses with sufficient energy, high-aperture crystals need to be realized.…”

“…These crystals are characterized by a high damage threshold in the spectral region of 1-2 µm [47][48][49][50]. Moreover, they have been shown to have low susceptibility to radiation damage, an essential consideration for applications in space-based instruments [46]. Importantly, the technology allowing high-fidelity and large aperture structuring has been developed for PPKTP [43].…”