Lithium Triborate Crystal (LBO Crystal, LiB₃O₅)

• Broad optical transparency: Typically specified across approximately 160–2600 nm.

• Efficient frequency conversion: Suitable for second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation.

• High laser damage threshold: Supports high-power laser applications under appropriate operating conditions.

• Excellent optical homogeneity: Helps maintain consistent optical performance.

• Low beam walk-off: Beneficial for selected phase-matching configurations.

• Custom optical finishing: Polished surfaces, specified orientations, and coatings may be available.

Property	Typical Specification
Product Name	Lithium Triborate Crystal
Common Name	LBO Crystal
Chemical Formula	LiB₃O₅
CAS Number	Confirm with supplier for the specified crystal product
Molecular Weight	Approximately 109.55 g/mol
Appearance	Clear, colorless optical crystal
Crystal Structure	Orthorhombic
Space Group	Pna2₁
Point Group	mm2
Density	Approximately 2.47 g/cm³
Mohs Hardness	Approximately 5.5–6
Melting Point	Approximately 834–835°C
Optical Transparency Range	Approximately 160–2600 nm; specification-dependent
Optical Symmetry	Negative biaxial
Thermal Conductivity	Approximately 3.5 W/(m·K)
Available Forms	Cut, polished, and custom-shaped crystals
Surface Quality	Commonly 10-5 scratch-dig, subject to specification
Surface Flatness	Commonly λ/8 or better at 633 nm, depending on grade
Coating Options	Antireflection coatings may be available
Applications	Laser frequency doubling, UV generation, optical parametric oscillation, photonics research

• Standard Optical Grade: For general nonlinear optics and laser research.

• High Optical Homogeneity Grade: For applications requiring controlled refractive-index uniformity.

• High Laser Damage Threshold Grade: For demanding high-power laser systems, subject to specified test conditions.

• Precision-Polished LBO Crystal: With specified surface flatness, parallelism, and scratch-dig quality.

• Antireflection-Coated LBO Crystal: Coatings tailored to operating wavelengths, such as 1064 nm, 532 nm, or 355 nm.

• Custom-Dimension LBO Crystal: Sourced according to aperture, length, orientation, angular tolerances, and customer drawings.

1. What is a lithium triborate crystal used for?

LBO crystals are primarily used for nonlinear optical frequency conversion, including second-harmonic generation (SHG), third-harmonic generation (THG), sum-frequency generation (SFG), and optical parametric applications.

2. What is the chemical formula of LBO crystal?

The chemical formula is LiB₃O₅, consisting of lithium, boron, and oxygen. LBO is an orthorhombic nonlinear optical crystal.

3. What is the optical transparency range of lithium triborate?

A commonly specified range is approximately 160–2600 nm. The usable wavelength range depends on the optical specification and application.

4. Is LBO suitable for high-power lasers?

Yes. LBO is widely used in high-power laser frequency conversion because of its favorable damage threshold and optical properties. Actual power handling depends on beam quality, pulse duration, repetition rate, crystal dimensions, coatings, and thermal conditions.

5. Can LBO crystals be supplied with custom dimensions and coatings?

Custom apertures, lengths, cutting angles, polished surfaces, and antireflection coatings may be available. Provide the operating wavelength and laser configuration when requesting a quotation.

6. What information should be included in an LBO crystal RFQ?

Specify the crystal dimensions, phase-matching type, operating wavelength, cutting angles, coating requirements, surface quality, flatness, parallelism, laser damage threshold, and quantity.