Z-scan measurements of the nonlinear properties of crystal hosts for all-solid-state UV lasers

We determined the nonlinear Kerr refractive index n(2) of LiBaF3 and LiLuF4 undoped crystals, by means of Z-scan measurements at 1064 nm. These materi als art: suitable for Ce3+ doping to obtain broadband Laser emission in the UV. These n(2) values (2.0 x 10(-16) and 1.5 x 10(-16) cm(2)/W at 1064 nm, respectively) are important For the characterization of new optical materi als in view of the development of high peak power laser oscillators and amp lifiers.