Abstract

KH₂PO₄ (KDP) and K(D_xH_1-x)₂PO₄ (DKDP) crystals are at present the only nonlinear crystals which can be grown to the sizes (30-80 cm) needed for laser radiation conversion in laser fusion systems. There are many problems associated with the growth of such crystals by the traditional technique, due primarily to the low growth rates (1 mm/day) and long growth periods. A new, fast-growth technique recently developed at Moscow State University, allows us to grow KDP crystals at rates that are an order of magnitude or more larger than those achieved with traditional methods [1]. This technique is based on the method of temperature reduction starting from a "point seed" with a size of about 1 cm³ independent of the final size of the crystal.

© 1996 Optical Society of America