β-Ba(PO3)2 with DUV cut-off edge and large birefringence

Phosphates are another new family of exploring deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical materials. As one material, the simpler the composition is the more favorable synthesis and application is. In this work, a simple alkaline earth metal phosphate β -Ba(PO 3 ) 2 was synthesized by high temperature solid phase method. It is worth mentioning that it has short cut-off edge (<190 nm) and relatively large birefringence (Δn = 0.032 @ 1064 nm) in phosphates and the optical anisotropy and birefringence can be enhanced by optimizing the basic anion arrangement. Combining with theoretical analysis, the relationship between structure and performance is further elaborated. In additional, thermal properties, linear optical and nonlinear optical properties for β -Ba(PO 3 ) 2 were also investigated.