First Z-scan n(2) measurements on crystal hosts for ultraviolet laser systems

We report the results of the first measurements of the non-linear Kerr refr active index, n(2), for LiBaF3 and LiLuF4 crystal hosts, known as prospecti ve UV-emitting tunable laser media when doped with Ce3+ ions. These n(2) va lues (2.7 x 10(-16) and 1.5 x 10(-16) cm(2)/W at 532 nm, respectively), obt ained using the well-established Z-scan technique, are important for the ch aracterization of new optical materials particularly in relation to their p otential ultrafast applications.