Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Nonlinear Optical Property of RbHgI3

Searching for new nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals to be used in the infrared (IR) region is still a challenge. This paper presents the synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a new halide, RbHgI3. Its non-centrosymmetric single crystal can be grown in solution. In its crystal structure, all the polar [HgI4] groups align in such a way that brings a favorable net polarization. The measurement by Kurtz–Perry powder technique indicates that RbHgI3 shows a phase-matchable second harmonic generation (SHG) property seven times stronger than that of KH2PO4 (KDP). RbHgI3 displays excellent transparency in the range of 0.48–25 μm with relatively good thermal stability. The UV absorption implies that this yellow compound’s band gap is about 2.56 eV, close to that of AgGaS2. A preliminary measurement indicates that the laser-induced damage threshold of the crystal is about 28.3 MW/cm2. These preliminary experimental data reveal that RbHgI3 is a new candidate as nonlinear optical material in the infrared region.