Silver Gallium Germanium Sulfide (AgGaGeS₄-AGGS) Crystals – Shape Optics

Key Features of AGGS crystals:

  • Wide Transparency Range: AgGaGeS₄ crystals provide an extensive transparency range from 0.5 µm to 13 µm, making them ideal for infrared optical applications.
  • High Nonlinear Coefficient: These crystals have a high nonlinear coefficient (d₃₆ = 33 pm/V @ 9.6 µm), enhancing their performance in nonlinear optical processes.
  • Low Absorption Coefficient: With a low absorption coefficient (α < 0.05 cm⁻¹ @ 1.064 µm), AgGaGeS₄ crystals ensure high efficiency in optical parametric oscillation and amplification.
  • Excellent Thermal and Mechanical Properties: AgGaGeS₄ exhibits good thermal conductivity and mechanical stability, ensuring durability and performance under various conditions.
  • Versatile Applications: Suitable for frequency doubling, optical parametric oscillation, and laser applications.

Description: Silver Gallium Germanium Sulfide (AgGaGeS₄), abbreviated as AGGS, is a prominent nonlinear optical crystal known for its wide infrared transparency range, high nonlinear coefficient, and excellent thermal and mechanical properties. These characteristics make AGGS crystals a preferred choice for mid-IR applications, including frequency doubling, optical parametric oscillation, and various laser technologies. Shape Optics provides high-quality AGGS crystals with superior optical properties, ensuring optimal performance for advanced optical systems.

Applications:

  • Frequency Doubling of CO₂ Lasers: Enhances the efficiency and performance of CO₂ laser systems.
  • Optical Parametric Oscillation (OPO): Used for generating tunable laser output from 3-12 µm wavelengths.
  • Laser Systems: Suitable for use with Nd, Ho, Er, and other laser sources for generating mid-IR laser radiation.
  • Infrared Spectroscopy: Ideal for applications in infrared spectroscopy due to its wide transparency range.

Technical Specifications

SpecificationValue
Flatnessλ/8 at 633 nm
Parallelism< 20 arcsec
Surface Quality10 – 5 scratch & dig (MIL-PRF-13830B)
Perpendicularity< 5 arcmin
Angle Tolerance< 30 arcmin
Aperture Tolerance± 0.1 mm
Clear Aperture90% of full aperture

Physical Properties

PropertyValue
Crystal TypeTetragonal
Density, g/cm³5.7
Mohs Hardness3–3.5
Melting Point, °C851
Lattice Constants, Åa = 5.992, c = 10.886
Thermal Conductivity, W/m·K1.0
Thermal Expansion Coefficients, °C⁻¹⊥c: -6.18×10⁻⁶, ‖c: 19.8×10⁻⁶
Not Hygroscopic

Optical Properties

PropertyValue
Transparency Range, µm0.5–13
Nonlinear Coefficientd₃₆ = 33 pm/V @ 9.6 µm
Absorption Coefficient0.6 cm⁻¹ @ 10.6 µm
Refractive Indicesnₓ = 11±0.5, nᵧ = 11±2.0
Damage Threshold10–20 MW/cm² @ 10.6 µm, 150 ns

Transmission Curves

Transmission vs. Wavelength (Thickness: 3.3 mm)

AgGaGeS4- AGGS -2

Standard Sizes

  • Rectangle: 8×8 mm, 5×5 mm
  • Thickness: 0.1–30 mm
  • Other sizes available upon request

Why Choose Shape Optics?

Shape Optics stands out for its superior quality, advanced manufacturing processes, and dedicated customer service. Our AGGS crystals are produced using a unique growth method that ensures lower absorption coefficients and higher efficiency. We offer customized solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the highest performance for your optical applications.

Our Advantages:

  • Horizontal Growth Process: Unlike typical vertical growth methods, our horizontal growth process results in better uniformity and lower absorption.
  • Low Absorption Coefficient: Our AGGS crystals have an absorption coefficient α < 0.02 cm⁻¹ @ 2090 nm, compared to the typical α < 0.05 cm⁻¹.
  • Higher Conversion Efficiency: Demonstrates superior conversion efficiency and uniformity in applications.

For more information, please visit our website at Shape Optics or contact us directly to discuss your specific requirements. Shape Optics is your trusted partner for high-quality AGGS crystals, offering exceptional optical performance and reliability.