Ferroelectric Crystals for Laser Radiation Control

In practical application of the achievements of quantum electronics an important role is played by crystals permitting laser radiation control (frequency modulation, deviation and conversion). There are only a few such crystals known at the present time. There are no universal crystals, each of them has applicability limits. This book embraces practically all the alkali-metal niobates and tantalates which are already widely used or will be used in the near future to control laser radiation in the visible and nearest IR ranges. The book provides the description of ferroelectric, electro-optic and nonlinear optic properties of crystals and touches upon physico-chemical aspects of the technology of growth of the single crystals of concrete compounds. This book aims to promote a wider introduction, use and production of single crystals of niobates and tantalates of alkali-earth metals and to advance the development of laser engineering.