Abstract

Despite having one of the highest nonlinear optical coefficients among known compounds (236 pm/V), severe cracking and excessive defect-related absorption losses have historically limited the usefulness of CdGeAs₂ for frequency-shifting lasers in the mid-infrared spectral range.^1,2 Horizontal gradient freeze growth in two-zone transparent furnaces has now been established as a high-yield process for producing crack-free, single crystal CdGeAs₂, ^3-5 and isolated samples have exhibited the low absorption losses required for efficient device operation^6,7.

© 2001 Optical Society of America