A2B6O9F2 (A = NH4, K): new members of A2B6O9F2 family with deep-UV cutoff edges and moderate birefringence

Two new fluorooxoborates A2B6O9F2 (A = NH4, K) with different two-dimensional [B6O9F2]∞ layered structure constructed by the fundamental building block [B6O11F2] were obtained.

RbMo2P3O14 with large birefringence mainly induced by highly distorted [MoO6] in uncommon [Mo2P3O14]∞ layers

The introduction of d⁰ transition metal Mo⁶⁺ cations into a phosphate generates a new acentric molybdophosphate, RbMo₂P₃O₁₄. It shows uncommon [Mo₂P₃O₁₄]_∞ layers composed of isolated [MoO₆] octahedra and [P₃O₁₀] groups. To the best of our acknowledge, it exhibits the largest birefringence (a calculated value of 0.166 at 546 nm) among reported molybdophosphates. In addition, it also possesses a shorter UV cut-off edge (about 250 nm) than other molybdates and molybdophosphates, indicating that it can be used as a birefringent crystal in the UV optical region. First-principles electronic structure analysis suggests that the large birefringence mainly originates from highly distorted [MoO₆].

Achieving Short-Wavelength Phase-Matching Second Harmonic Generation in Boron-Rich Borosulfate with Planar [BO3 ] Units

Ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals which can produce short-wavelength lasers via a direct second harmonic generation (SHG) process are of great importance in modern laser technology. Currently, the exploration of UV NLO crystals in borosulfates is nearly stagnant since the non-phase matching (PM) property lies on the small birefringence induced by the intrinsically small optical anisotropy of the tetrahedral groups. Herein, for the first time, the planar [BO₃ ] units were introduced into borosulfates leading to a boron-rich borosulfate (NH₄ )₂ B₄ SO₁₀ with unprecedented [B₄ SO₁₀ ]_∞ layers and evidently enhanced birefringence. To the best of our knowledge, it achieves the shortest SHG PM wavelength of 252 nm in all reported borosulfates with deep UV cutoff edge (184 nm), large SHG response (1.1×KDP at 1064 nm and 0.15×β-BBO at 532 nm) and large birefringence (0.053 at 1064 nm) and is easy to grow single crystals via simple chemical vapor deposition method. These results confirm the feasibility of utilizing planar [BO₃ ] units to optimize birefringence of borosulfates, and also open up broad prospects for UV NLO crystals in boron-rich borosulfates.

LaTeBO5: a new borotellurite with a large birefringence activated by the highly distorted [Te(iv)O4] group

A new borotellurite, LaTeBO₅, containing the highly distorted [Te^(iv)O₄] group has been synthesized. Interestingly, it exhibits a wide ultraviolet transmittance range and large birefringence (0.080@1064 nm). The response electron distribution anisotropy approximation and dipole moment calculation demonstrate that the synergistic effect of the highly asymmetric [Te^(iv)O₄] and BO₃ groups is conducive to its large birefringence.

Na7(IO3)(SO4)3: the first noncentrosymmetric alkaline-metal iodate-sulfate with isolated [IO3] and [SO4] units

Metal iodates are of current research interest because of their potential application as nonlinear optical crystals but the exploration of new iodates is mainly concentrated on complex cation iodates. In contrast, iodates with multiple anion groups are rarely reported. In this communication, the first noncentrosymmetric alkaline-metal iodate-sulfate, Na₇(IO₃)(SO₄)₃ has been designed, synthesized and characterized.

Fluorine-Driven Enhancement of Birefringence in the Fluorooxosulfate: A Deep Evaluation from a Joint Experimental and Computational Study

Understanding and exploring the functional modules (FMs) consisting of local atomic groups can promote the development of the materials with functional performances. Oxygen-containing tetrahedral modules are popular in deep-ultraviolet (DUV) optical materials, but their weak optical anisotropy is adverse to birefringence. Here, the fluorooxosulfate group is proved as a new birefringence-enhanced FM for the first time. The birefringence of fluorooxosulfates can be 4.8-15.5 times that of sulfates with the same metal cations while maintaining a DUV band gap. The polarizing microscope measurement confirms the birefringence enhancement by using the millimeter crystals experimentally. The theoretical studies from micro and macro levels further reveal a novel universal strategy that the fluorine induced anisotropic electronic distribution in fluorooxo-tetrahedral group is responsible for the enhancement of birefringence. This study will guide the future discovery of DUV optical materials with enlarged birefringence.

SrAlB3O6F2: A Fluoroaluminoborate with [Al2B6O14F4] Units and Large Birefringence

The first strontium fluoroaluminoborate SrAlB₃O₆F₂ was synthesized. Interestingly, it exhibits a two-dimensional warped layer composed of the [Al₂B₆O₁₄F₄] fundamental building units, which are first identified in borates. The experimental results indicate that SrAlB₃O₆F₂ has a short ultraviolet cutoff edge (<200 nm) and large birefringence (0.075@546 nm), which are further verified by theoretical calculation. Thus, SrAlB₃O₆F₂ can be used as the deep-ultraviolet birefringence material.

Cs2ZnSn3S8: A Sulfide Compound Realizes a Large Birefringence by Modulating the Dimensional Structure

Birefringence, an important optical performance parameter for optoelectronic functional materials, is mainly influenced by the types of anion groups and their spatial arrangement. Inspired by the relationship between the structure and properties of chalcogenides, combined with the dimensional transformation, we successfully synthesized a sulfide compound (Cs₂ZnSn₃S₈) with a two-dimensional layered structure and a large birefringence. The experimental results showed that, compared with Rb₁₀Zn₄Sn₄S₁₇, Cs₂ZnSn₃S₈ achieved the structural transition from a zero-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional lamellar arrangement and achieved a breakthrough of birefringence from 0 to 0.12, which was determined by both experiments and first-principles calculations. These findings demonstrated that Cs₂ZnSn₃S₈ was a potential birefringent material and provided instructions for the study of the synthesis of birefringent materials.

Intriguing Dimensional Transition Inducing Variable Birefringence in K2Na2Sn3S8 and Rb3NaSn3Se8

The birefringent crystals capable of modulating the polarization of lights are of the current research interests. Although many oxide crystals have been discovered and widely used in UV and visible regions, the birefringent crystals in the infrared (IR) region are still rare. Herein, two new chalcogenides, K₂Na₂Sn₃S₈ and Rb₃NaSn₃Se₈, have been synthesized by the solid-state method. We have used the single crystal X-ray diffraction to determine their structures. K₂Na₂Sn₃S₈ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c and exhibits a three-dimensional framework constructed by the corner-sharing SnS₄ and SnS₅ units, whereas Rb₃NaSn₃Se₈ crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4/nbm and features a zero-dimensional [Sn₃Se₈]^4- trimer built by the three edge-sharing SnSe₄ tetrahedra. The physical property measurements indicate that Rb₃NaSn₃Se₈ has a wide IR transparent window up to 20 μm and large birefringence, ∼0.196, suggesting its potential application as a birefringent crystal in the IR region. However, compared with Rb₃NaSn₃Se₈, the birefringence of K₂Na₂Sn₃S₈ is relatively small, ∼0.070. The study of their structure-property relationship indicates that the different connection modes of SnQ_n (Q = S, Se; n = 4, 5) polyhedra are the main reason for the large difference of birefringence between the two compounds. These studies will provide a new insight for the origin of birefringence and will facilitate the exploration of new IR birefringent crystals.

Synergism of multiple functional chromophores significantly enhancing the birefringence in layered non-centrosymmetric chalcohalides

Compared with one or two functional chromophores materials, Hg₃AsQ₄X (Q = S, Se; X = Cl, Br, I) with multiple ones generate extremely large birefringence due to the synergism of the d¹⁰ cation Hg²⁺, lone pair layer of As³⁺ and mixed anions Q²⁻/X⁻.

Na2La2B10O19: a new lanthanum sodium borate with infinite 2D layer 2∞[B10O19]8− and moderate birefringence

A new La-based borate Na₂La₂B₁₀O₁₉ with infinite 2D double layers composed of (B₅O₁₂)⁹⁻ FBBs and a moderate birefringence of 0.06 at 1064 nm.

Ba2BS3Cl and Ba5B2S8Cl2: first alkaline-earth metal thioborate halides with [BS3] units

Ba2BS3Cl and Ba5B2S8Cl2 have been synthesized by using PbCl2 as the flux and source of halogen. The two compounds show 3D network structures built by isolated [BS3] units with different Ba-S-Cl groups. This work enriches the structural diversity of boron chemistry and provides an insight into the synthesis of thioborates.

From BaCl2 to Ba(NO3)Cl: significantly enhanced birefringence derived from π-conjugated [NO3]

The chlorine barium nitrate Ba(NO3)Cl was synthesized for the first time to the best of our knowledge and found to exhibit a strong birefringence of 0.178 @ 1064 nm, about 19 times that of BaCl2.

BaB4O5F4 with reversible phase transition featuring unprecedented fundamental building blocks of [B16O21F16] in the α-phase and [B4O6F4] in the β-phase

The first fluorooxoborate with reversible phase transition, BaB4O5F4, has been obtained. Interestingly, the two polymorphs, α- and β-BaB4O5F4 with rare [BOF3], feature various one-dimensional chains composed of the unprecedented fundamental building blocks of [B16O21F16] and [B4O6F4], respectively. First-principles calculations were performed to elucidate the structure-property relationships.

Li5Cs(SO4)3: a potential zero-order wave plate material with short deep-ultraviolet cutoff edge

A reversible phase transition Li5Cs(SO4)3 single crystal with transparency ranging from 180 nm to 4.7 μm has been obtained, which is a potential zero-order DUV wave plate material with small birefringence properties.

From centrosymmetric to noncentrosymmetric: effect of the cation on the crystal structures and birefringence values of (NH4)n-2AE(PO2F2)n (AE = Mg, Sr and Ba; n = 2, 3 and 4)

Fluorine-containing compounds significantly enrich the diversity of inorganic chemical structures. Here, four alkaline-earth metal difluorophosphates with different space groups, namely NH4Mg(PO2F2)3 (Cmcm) (1), NH4Sr(PO2F2)3 (P1[combining macron]) (2), (NH4)2Ba(PO2F2)4 (P2/n) (3) and Ba(PO2F2)2 (I4[combining macron]2d) (4), were synthesized and their structures were determined for the first time. 4 is not only the first alkaline-earth-metal difluorophosphate, but also the first difluorophosphate reported to crystallize in the non-centrosymmetric space group I4[combining macron]2d of the tetragonal crystal system. All of the three-dimensional (3D) structures of the title compounds consist of isolated (PO2F2)-, AE-O and NH4+ units, while the differences of the cation radius result in various arrangements of the (PO2F2)- units, which leads to diverse crystal structures and the disparate optical anisotropy of the crystals. According to the deep-ultraviolet (DUV) transmittance spectrum, 3 exhibits a short DUV cut off edge (<180 nm). Solid state 19F and 31P magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy was used to verify the presence of covalent P-F bonds in 3. The different size effects, as well as the coordination environments of the Mg2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+ cations, on the structures as a whole have been discussed in detail. In addition, the calculated birefringence values were observed to differ from 0.011 to 0.033 for the four compounds.

The synthesis, characterization, and theoretical analysis of (NH4)3PbCl5

(NH₄)₃PbCl₅ features a 3D structure with a short UV cutoff edge of 256 nm and simulated birefringence of about 0.050 at 1064 nm.

An antimony(iii) borate with large birefringence exhibiting unwonted [B5O11] fundamental building blocks and dimeric [Sb2O6] clusters

By combining π-conjugated [B₃O₆] groups and Sb³⁺ cations with SCALP, we successfully obtained the second antimony(iii) borate SbB₅O₉ with a large birefringence (0.151 @ 1064 nm), which exhibits unwonted [B₅O₁₁] FBBs and dimeric [Sb₂O₆] clusters.

Sn3B8O15: A Ternary Tin(II) Borate with Flexible [B8O18]12- Fundamental Building Block Formed by [B7O16]11- and [BO3]3- Groups

Owing to the tendency to form the glass state in growing crystals in the ternary tin(II) borate system, hitherto, very few single crystals in ternary tin(II) borate were reported. In this paper, a single crystal of Sn₃B₈O₁₅ was obtained via a high temperature solution method in a closed system. The structure features a flexible fundamental building block [B₈O₁₈]^12- constructed by one [BO₃]^3- unit and one [B₇O₁₆]^11- group that contains three hexatomic rings, which further connect to compose a two-dimensional ²_∞[B₈O₁₅] layer structure. The connection mode and flexibility of the three hexatomic B-O rings were analyzed, verifying the structural diversity of the B-O configuration. Moreover, the synthesis, crystal structure, and various characterizations were comprehensively presented. Also, theoretical calculations were employed to discuss structure-property relationships, and we use the real-space atom-cutting techniques to explain the origin of the birefringence of Sn₃B₈O₁₅.

RbB3O4F2: a rubidium fluorooxoborate with an unprecedented [B3O5F2]3- functionalized unit and a large birefringence

A new rubidium fluorooxoborate, RbB₃O₄F₂, was structurally designed and synthesized by using the strategy of fluorine-introduction into borates. Interestingly, RbB₃O₄F₂ presents the novel [B₃O₄F₂]^- chains formed by the unprecedented [B₃O₅F₂]^3- fundamental building block. More importantly, RbB₃O₄F₂ has a large birefringence and a deep-UV cutoff edge. The finding of novel [B₃O₅F₂]^3- FBB and [B₃O₄F₂]^- chains in RbB₃O₄F₂ greatly enriches the structural diversity of fluorooxoborates.

Enhanced optical anisotropy via dimensional control in alkali-metal chalcogenides

Crystals with both large birefringence and wide transparent range are suitable for broad applications in the areas of optical communications, the laser industry and modulation of the light polarization requirement. In this work, to assist the design of urgently needed crystals with large birefringence in the infrared (IR) region, typical alkali-metal chalcogenides, KPSe6, Na2Ge2Se5, and Li2In2GeSe6 have been studied. They exhibit a hierarchical characteristic in the calculated birefringence by about 0.21, 0.11, and 0.04, respectively. To explore the origin of the birefringence difference, the polarizability anisotropy and the effect of electron distribution anisotropy are analyzed. The alkali-metal chalcogenides KPSe6, Na2Ge2Se5, and Li2In2GeSe6 feature infinite one-dimensional (1D) chains of [PSe6], 2D anionic framework of [Ge2Se5] layers and 3D [In2GeSe9] networks, respectively. It is found that the anionic group with low-dimensional configuration could enhance polarizability anisotropy and render large birefringence for the macroscopic structure. This provides evidence that a low-dimensionality configuration in the structure would be beneficial for the enhancement of optical anisotropy, which can motivate the exploration and design of novel IR birefringent materials.

La3 B6 O13 (OH): The First Acentric High-Pressure Borate Displaying Edge-Sharing BO4 Tetrahedra

La3 B6 O13 (OH) was obtained by a high-pressure/high-temperature experiment at 6 GPa and 1673 K. The compound crystallizes in the space group P21 (no. 4) with the lattice parameters a=4.785(2), b=12.880(4), c=7.433(3) Å, and β=90.36(10)°, and is built up of corner- as well as edge-sharing BO4 tetrahedra. It represents the first acentric high-pressure borate containing these B2 O6 entities. The compound develops borate layers of "sechser"-rings with the La3+ cations positioned between the layers. Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, vibrational and MAS NMR spectroscopy, second-harmonic generation (SHG) and thermoanalytical measurements, as well as computational methods were used to affirm the proposed structure and the B2 O6 entities.

Unveiling the Impact of Aggregation on Optical Anisotropy of Triazaacephenanthrylene Single Crystals. A Combined Quantum Crystallography and Conceptual Density Functional Theory Approach

Triazaacephenanthrylene (TAAP) triclinic single crystals show substantial optical anisotropy of absorption and fluorescence. The maximum effect can be correlated with the direction perpendicular to the plane of chromophores connected in a head-to-tail manner via weak dispersive interactions. This phenomenon is uncommon as usually the existence of postulated π···π interactions between the molecules forming dimers or stacks cause quenching of fluorescence. Herein we present a comprehensive study of inter- and intramolecular interactions in the crystal of TAAP enriched with the investigation of aromaticity. Our results show that intramolecular interactions stabilize the overall conformation of the molecule whereas dispersive forces determine the aggregation between TAAP molecules. In fact, there is no conventional π···π interaction between the molecules in the dimer. Instead, we observed a close contact between the lone pair of the bridgehead N10B atom and π-deficient pyrazine ring from an adjacent molecule. Optical anisotropy in TAAP crystals was directly correlated with the alignment of the molecular transition dipole moments caused by specific molecular self-assembly.

Structural Diversity of Molybdate Iodate and Fluoromolybdate: Syntheses, Structures, and Calculations on Na3(MoO4)(IO3) and Na3Cs(MoO2F4)2

The alkali-metal molybdate iodate Na₃(MoO₄)(IO₃) (I) and mixed-alkali-metal fluoromolybdate Na₃Cs(MoO₂F₄)₂ (II) were obtained via a mild hydrothermal reaction using a "Teflon-pouch" method. I crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, whose structure comprises a 3D backbone made up of isolated [IO₃]^- pyramids and [MoO₄]^2- tetrahedra connected via 5- and 6-fold coordinated sodium cations. II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c and comprises isolated [MoO₂F₄]^2- octahedra with strong out-of-center distortions and the Na⁺ as well as Cs⁺ cations acting as interstitial ions. Both compounds have been characterized by infrared (IR) spectra and ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) diffuse reflectance spectra. First-principles calculations respectively reveal that they exhibit birefringence values with Δn = 0.078 and 0.210 at 1064 nm for I and II, and the origin of the birefringence is discussed.

Tellurium-oxygen group enhanced birefringence in tellurium phosphates: a first-principles investigation

Phosphates possess a relatively large UV/DUV cutoff edge, but these compounds usually have very small birefringence. Recently the Te₂P₂O₉ crystal was synthesized and its birefringence was reported to be as large as 0.106 at 1013.98 nm. Herein, we investigated the electronic structure and optical properties of Te₂P₂O₉ using the first-principles method. The obtained results are in good agreement with the experimental values. The Born effective charges and SHG density of Te₂P₂O₉ show that the contribution to the birefringence and SHG response mainly originates from the TeO₅ group. The electronic structures and optical response of Ba₂TeO(PO₄)₂ and Te₃O₃(PO₄)₂ were also investigated for comparison. The results show that these two tellurium phosphates also possess a large birefringence similar to Te₂P₂O₉. Also, the birefringence originates from the TeO _x polyhedrons, which was confirmed by the real-space atom-cutting results and distortion indices.

Ba(B2OF3(OH)2)2 with well-ordered OH/F anions and a unique B2OF3(OH)2 dimer

A new centimetre-scale fluorooxoborate crystal Ba(B₂OF₃(OH)₂)₂, with well-ordered OH/F units and a new dimer containing BOF₃ units, has been fabricated.

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of a new mixed alkali and alkaline-earth metal borate Rb9Ba24(BO3)19

Rb₉Ba₂₄(BO₃)₁₉ features an intricate 3D Ba–O framework with three types of infinite channels where the Rb⁺ cations and isolated BO₃ units are located.

Effect of anion dimensionality on optical properties: the ∞[B7O10(OH)2] layer in CsB7O10(OH)2vs. the ∞[B7O12] framework in CsBaB7O12

CsB₇O₁₀(OH)₂ with new FBB features a 2D anionic structure whose band gap is about 6.6 eV and CsBaB₇O₁₂ features a 3D anionic structure whose band gap is 5.6 eV. And their simulated birefringence are about 0.08 and 0.05 at 1064 nm, respectively.

Li2CdSiS4, a promising IR NLO material with a balanced Eg and SHG response originating from the effect of Cd with d10 configuration

A new promising infrared nonlinear optical crystal Li₂CdSiS₄ with millimeter size was obtained and systematically characterized.

Two new ammonium/alkali-rare earth metal difluorophosphates ALa(PO2F2)4 (A = NH4 and K) with moderate birefringence and short cutoff edges

Herein, two new ammonium/alkali-rare-earth metal fluorophosphates ALa(PO2F2)4 (A = NH4 and K) have been successfully obtained via a facile route. The introduction of F- anions with high electronegativity and non-π-conjugated species [PO2F2]- was found in the title compounds. Different from the [PO4]3- unit in phosphates, the (PO2F2)- group retains the merit of wide UV transmittance in phosphates; meanwhile, it has large polarizability anisotropy, and theoretical calculation shows that the calculated birefringences are 0.023 and 0.019 for KLa(PO2F2)4 and NH4La(PO2F2)4, respectively. More importantly, this work will contribute to the structural and functional diversity of phosphate chemistry by the exploration of the fascinating difluorophosphates.

K4(PO2F2)2(S2O7): first fluorooxophosphorsulfate with mixed-anion [S2O7]2- and [PO2F2]- groups

Mixed-anion compounds are among the most promising systems to design functional materials with enhanced properties. Among the phosphate-sulfate species, the [SO4]2- and [PO2F2]- tetrahedra are known and give rise to structural versatility. However, to date, the crystal structures of phosphate-sulfates with the coexistence of two distinct anion groups ([S2O7]2- and [PO2F2]-) in one compound are unknown. Here, a novel type of fluorooxophosphorsulfate, K4(PO2F2)2(S2O7) (KSPOF), is designed and synthesized via a high-temperature method in a closed system. The crystal structure is derived from single-crystal X-ray diffraction (C2/c, a = 13.000(10) Å, b = 7.5430(10) Å, c = 19.010(10) Å, β = 130.070(10)°, and Z = 4). It is the first fluorooxophosphorsulfate with mixed-anion building units ([S2O7]2- and [PO2F2]-) and a unique drum-like cluster was found, which enriches the diversity of structures for fluorooxophosphorsulfate systems. Furthermore, the theoretical calculations indicate that KSPOF possesses moderate birefringence, which mainly originates from the distorted [PO2F2]- tetrahedron.

Theoretical investigation on the promotion of second harmonic generation from chalcopyrite family AIGaS2 to AIIGa2S4

The chalcopyrite structure is a rich source for the exploration of new IR materials. However, not all of the compounds with a chalcopyrite-type structure exhibit satisfactory optical properties, which may originate from their different microstructure features. In this work, we selected four classical chalcopyrite materials, A^IGaS₂ (A^I = Ag, Cu) with normal structures and A^IIGa₂S₄ (A^II = Zn, Hg) with defect structures, to study their electronic structures, optical properties including the contribution of ions and ion groups to their band gaps, SHG responses and birefringences by the first-principles method. The results uncover that the different band gaps are mainly caused by the d orbitals of A* (A* = A^I, A^II)-site atoms and dp hybridizations between the A*-site and S atoms. In addition, the more powerful covalent bonds of A^II–S and Ga–S in the A^IIGa₂S₄ lead to the larger SHG responses of ZnGa₂S₄ and HgGa₂S₄. For the birefringences, the sizes of the A*-site atoms make sense, namely larger size will lead to higher distortion of tetrahedra, then result in large birefringences. All the above analyses conclude that the A*-site atoms in the chalcopyrite structures play a modulation role in determining the optical properties.

Enhancement of SHG response from A^IGaS₂ (normal) chalcopyrite compounds to A^IIGa₂S₄ defect chalcopyrite compounds.

Rational Design via Synergistic Combination Leads to an Outstanding Deep-Ultraviolet Birefringent Li2Na2B2O5 Material with an Unvalued B2O5 Functional Gene

Birefringent materials, the key components in modulating the polarization of light, are of great importance in optical communication and the laser industry. Limited by their transparency range, few birefringent materials can be practically used in the deep ultraviolet (DUV, λ < 200 nm) region. Different from the traditional BO₃- or B₃O₆-based DUV birefringent crystals, we propose a new functional gene, the B₂O₅ unit, for designing birefringent materials. Excitingly, the synergistic combination of Li₄B₂O₅ and Na₄B₂O₅ generates a new compound, Li₂Na₂B₂O₅, with enhanced optical properties. The Li₂Na₂B₂O₅ crystal with a size of up to 35 × 15 × 5 mm³ was grown by the top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) method, and its physicochemical properties were systematically characterized. Li₂Na₂B₂O₅ features a large amount of birefringence (0.095@532 nm), a short DUV cutoff edge (181 nm) with a high laser-induced damage threshold (LDT, 7.5 GW/cm² @1064 nm, 10 ns), favorable anisotropic thermal expansion (α_a/α_b = 5.6), and the lowest crystal growth temperature (<609 °C) among the commercial birefringent crystals. Moreover, the influences of the B₂O₅ structural configurations on the optical anisotropy were explored. The fascinating experimental results will provide a prominent DUV birefringent crystal and an effective synthesis strategy, which can facilitate the design of DUV birefringent materials.

Sn2B7O12F with a 2∞[B14O24]6− layer constructed from the unprecedented [B7O16]11− fundamental building block

A new tin borate fluoride Sn₂B₇O₁₂F features a complicated 3D network composed of the unique [B₇O₁₆]¹¹⁻ FBBs and [Sn₄O₁₂F₂]¹⁸⁻ clusters.

K2[B4O5(OH)4]·H2O and K2[B4O5(OH)4]: two new hydrated potassium borates with isolated [B4O5(OH)4]2− units and different structural frameworks

Two new hydrated potassium tetraborates with isolated [B₄O₅(OH)₄]²⁻ units were obtained via a mild hydrothermal method.

Metal-cation substitutions induced the enhancement of second harmonic generation in A8BS6 (A = Cu, and Ag; B = Si, Ge, and Sn)

The substitution from Ag to Cu with isostructural compounds induces the apparent enhancement of the SHG responses, which is mainly attributed to the different intensity of dp hybridization between the metal cation and S.

Three new phosphates, Cs8Pb4(P2O7)4, CsLi7(P2O7)2 and LiCa(PO3)3: structural comparison, characterization and theoretical calculation

Three new phosphates with a short cutoff edge were obtained, and the structural comparisons were discussed in detail.

ABaSbQ3 (A = Li, Na; Q = S, Se): diverse arrangement modes of isolated SbQ3 ligands regulating the magnitudes of birefringences

The interrelation of arrangement modes of isolated SbQ₃ ligands on structures and birefringences has been systematically studied in series of chalcogenides.