Exploration of new second-order nonlinear optical compounds containing main group elements

Abstract

This review mainly highlights recent research progress on the exploration syntheses, crystal structures, and nonlinear optical properties of multinary chalcogenides. Some examples show that slight radius change (Ga 3+ vs. In 3+) leads to different packing patterns of the same asymmetric units that eventually result in NLO properties with different origins. Besides, combination of two types of asymmetric units, SbQ x polyhedron and TrQ 4 tetrahedron, not only gives rise to a rich structural chemistry but also yields many NCS compounds with excellent IR NLO performance. Additionally, the studies of the new mid-IR NLO crystal BaGa 4S 7 developed by a Bridgman-Stockbarger technique and a series new NLO chalcogenides based on TrQ 4 and TtQ 4 tetrahedra are also included. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.