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Abstract

In one embodiment of the present invention, the material is a non-linear optical compound with a beryllium oxide (BeO.sub.2) framework or superstructure. This new NLO material has the general chemical formula (.SIGMA..sub.i=1-3 M.sub..alpha.i.sup.1)(.SIGMA..sub.j=1-3 M.sub..beta.j.sup.2)BeO.sub.2, Formula 1 wherein M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are mono- and di-valent metal ions respectively; wherein (.SIGMA..sub.i=1-3 .alpha..sub.i)=X and ranges from 0 to 2, (.SIGMA..sub.j=1-3 .beta..sub.j)=Y and ranges from 0 to 1, (hereinafter referred to as 'MBEO'compounds). Another embodiment of the present invention satisfies the generally formula (.SIGMA..sub.i=1-3 M.sub..alpha.i.sup.1)BeO.sub.2, Formula 2 wherein M.sup.1 is a mono-valent metal ion; and wherein (.SIGMA..sub.i=1-3 .alpha..sub.i)=X and ranges from 0 to 2; and yet another embodiment of the present invention satisfies the general formula (.SIGMA..sub.j=1-3 M.sub..beta.j.sup.2)BeO.sub.2, Formula 3 wherein M.sup.2 is a di-valent metal ion; and wherein (.SIGMA..sub.j=1-3 .beta..sub.j)=Y and ranges from 0 to 1. Mono- and di-valent metal ions, M.sup.1 and M.sup.2, that are suitable for forming compounds satisfying the general formula are preferably independently selected from the group consisting of Groups IA and IIA, however other mono- and di-valent cations may be used so long as the material has a non-centrosymmetric arrangement. The best results are achieved by independently selecting M.sup.1 from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium; and M.sup.2 from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, and strontium. Examples of nonlinear optical materials satisfying the general formula include, but are not limited to, Na.sub.2BeO.sub.2, Li.sub.2BeO.sub.2, K.sub.2BeO.sub.2, and Cs.sub.2BeO.sub.2.

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First Claim