LBO Crystal for High-Power Frequency Conversion
Why LBO leads high-power frequency conversion
When a frequency-conversion stage must handle high average power — industrial green/UV lasers, materials processing, pump sources — the nonlinear crystal's laser-damage threshold and thermal behaviour decide success. LBO (LiB3O5) has the highest damage threshold of the common nonlinear crystals and supports non-critical phase matching (NCPM) that removes walk-off and widens the angular acceptance, so it tolerates the tight focusing and high fluence of high-power systems.
Properties that matter at high power
| Property | LBO |
|---|---|
| Laser-damage threshold | Very high (highest of BBO/LBO/KTP) |
| Thermal behaviour | Good — manageable thermal lens |
| Phase matching | Angle-tuned or temperature-tuned (NCPM) |
| Walk-off (under NCPM) | None |
| Angular acceptance | Wide (especially NCPM) |
Where it is used
LBO is the standard choice for high-average-power SHG and THG of Nd lasers (1064→532→355 nm) in industrial systems, and for OPCPA stages needing broad bandwidth plus damage resistance. Compared with KTP it handles more power and avoids grey-tracking; compared with BBO it offers wider angular acceptance and NCPM. See our BBO vs LBO vs KTP comparison, the NCPM article, and the LBO product page.
Frequently asked questions
LBO vs KTP for high-power green? KTP is more efficient but grey-tracks at high average power; LBO's higher damage threshold wins at high power despite lower efficiency.
Does LBO need temperature control? Under NCPM yes (it runs above room temperature); angle-tuned LBO does not.
Can LBO reach the UV? Yes — it transmits into the UV and is used for 355 nm THG; for 266 nm, CLBO or BBO are typical.
For more information on crystal materials, please consult info@aogcrystal.com