α-BBO has a broad transparent range of 190 nm-3500 nm and high birefringence, and is widely used as Glan prisms and polarizing beam splitters for its high extinction ratio and UV transmission.

Introduction 

Alpha-Barium Borate (α-BaB₂O₄, α-BBO) is a negative uniaxial crystal which has large birefringence over a broad transparent range of 190 nm-3500 nm. α-BBO is an excellent crystal especially in UV and high power applications. The physical, chemical, thermal and optical properties of α-BBO crystal are similar to those of β-BBO. However, the nonlinear optical properties of α-BBO crystal are nonexistent due to the centrical symmetry of its crystal structure. α-BBO crystal is recommended for NLO processes. 

CASTECH's birefringent crystal α-BBO  is featured by

• High UV transmittance
• Large birefringence
• Low bulk absorption suitable for high power applications
• High damage threshold
• Stable physical and mechanical properties