Crystals and Nonlinear Optics
The extensive range of homegrown G&H nonlinear optical crystals enable wavelength conversion applications from the deep UV to the far-infrared.
Laser Fusion & ICF
Partner with G&H a trusted supplier to the laser fusion research industry.
NIF Target Chamber. A service system lift allows technicians to access the target chamber interior for inspection and maintenance. https://lasers.llnl.gov/.Powering the Future of Laser Fusion & Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
Laser fusion and inertial confinement fusion (ICF) demand extreme precision in laser energy delivery, wavelength conversion, pulse timing, and beam control. G&H supplies the fusion-grade nonlinear crystals, electro-optic beam control components, acousto-optic devices, and high-damage-threshold precision optics that enable these critical functions in the world’s most powerful laser systems.
Our technologies support ICF driver architectures used for fusion ignition research, target physics experiments, and the advancement of scalable inertial fusion energy (IFE).
Supporting Global Fusion Research Programs
G&H is a long-standing supplier to major laser fusion laboratories and research institutions, supporting multi-kilojoule and petawatt-class laser systems used in ICF experiments worldwide. These programs include national laboratories and big-science facilities such as National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States and fusion research programs at Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives in France, among others.
Across these facilities, G&H components support:
- High-energy UV frequency conversion
- Electro-optic beam switching and pulse gating
- Precision beam steering and diagnostics
- Optical power handling and system stability under extreme fluence
Former President Jeff Luken of Cleveland Crystals with some of the large KDP boules grown by the company for use in laser fusion applications. August 2007. Photonics.com.Fusion-Grade Nonlinear Crystals for ICF & IFE
G&H is one of a very small number of commercial suppliers globally capable of manufacturing large-format nonlinear crystals at the dimensions, optical quality, and damage thresholds required for fusion-class laser systems. This capability is fundamentally enabling for inertial confinement fusion.
Our fusion crystal portfolio supports:
- Second- and third-harmonic generation (SHG / THG) for UV wavelength conversion
- Electro-optic beam switching and pulse gating
- High-fluence, large-aperture laser transport
Common Crystal Materials for Fusion Applications
- KDP (KH₂PO₄) - Nonlinear crystal optimized for high-power frequency conversion
- KD*P (DKDP) - Deuterated KDP offering superior laser-damage resistance and radiation tolerance
- β-BBO - Deep-UV harmonic generation with high damage threshold
- Lithium Niobate / PPLN - Electro-optic modulation and parametric conversion
- TeO₂ - Acousto-optic beam deflection and pulse control
Fusion Crystal Size & Growth Capability
G&H grows large-format KDP and KD*P crystals using controlled high-temperature solution growth techniques optimized for:
- Optical uniformity
- Low birefringence error
- High laser-damage threshold
- Large-aperture beam transport
Crystal sizes extend into the multi-hundred-kilogram class, supporting the apertures required for fusion driver beamlines.
In addition to conventional long-cycle crystal growth programs, G&H also maintains rapid-growth (“rapid boule”) capability for accelerated development, testing, and early program qualification, with full-scale large-boule production operated on standard fusion-grade timelines.
Fusion-Optimized Coating Technologies
Fusion-grade optics operate at the limits of laser fluence. G&H applies advanced sol-gel and thin-film coatings engineered for:
- UV damage resistance
- High laser fluence tolerance
- Environmental durability
- Long-term optical stability in high-duty-cycle fusion systems
These coatings are critical to sustaining reliable performance across multi-shot fusion experiments and long-term facility operation.
G&H TX Pockels Cells Large Aperture (KD*P)Photonics Subsystems for Fusion Laser Control
G&H delivers a comprehensive portfolio of photonics subsystems engineered to support the extreme precision, stability and power-handling requirements of modern fusion laser facilities. Together, these technologies enable reliable, repeatable laser performance essential for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF), high-power research platforms, and next-generation energy programmes.
Electro-Optics for Fusion Beam Control (Including PEPC-Class Systems)
Electro-optic beam control is a core function in ICF driver architectures. G&H supplies:
- Large-aperture Pockels cell components for beam switching and pulse gating
- Nanosecond-response high-voltage drivers for precise electro-optic timing
- Support for both next-generation electro-optic architectures and legacy PEPC-based systems
Our electro-optic solutions enable:
- Precise beam injection and extraction
- Pulse shaping and amplification staging
- Synchronization across multi-beam fusion facilities
Acousto-Optics for Fusion Lasers
G&H acousto-optic devices support pulse selection, beam deflection, power modulation, and diagnostic control throughout fusion laser chains, including:
©️ G&H WaveplatePrecision Optics for High-Fluence Fusion Systems
G&H supplies fused-silica and specialty optics optimized for fusion-laser fluence levels, including:
- High-damage-threshold mirrors
- Beamsplitters and transport windows
- Waveplates and polarization optics
- UV- and IR-optimized thin-film coatings
These components maintain beam quality, polarization integrity, and long-term system uptime in harsh fusion environments.
Fiber Optic Assemblies for Fusion Diagnostics & Timing
Specialty fiber optic assemblies support:
- Synchronization and timing systems
- Diagnostics and beam monitoring
- Distributed optical sensing within fusion facilities
These assemblies are engineered for radiation tolerance, thermal stability, and ultra-low optical loss.
Plaque presented to Gooch & Housego by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, recognising the company’s optical fabrication contributions to achieving ignition at the National Ignition Facility.Why G&H Matters in Laser Fusion
At G&H, crystal growth is the foundation of our contribution to inertial confinement fusion. We integrate materials science, electro-optic engineering, acousto-optic design, and high-damage-threshold optics manufacturing to support fusion facilities operating at the frontier of laser energy and precision.
Key Capabilities for Fusion Programs
- Fusion-grade KDP and KD*P nonlinear crystals for large-aperture UV conversion
- BBO and lithium niobate for deep-UV and ultra-fast electro-optic switching
- Large-aperture electro-optic beam-control components
- Integrated frequency-conversion and Pockels-cell modules
- UV-optimized coatings and thermal management
- ITAR-registered manufacturing and secure global supply chains
- Decades of experience in high-damage-threshold optical systems
By uniting materials science, optical engineering, and application expertise, G&H enables:
- Stable UV frequency conversion
- Precise beam switching and synchronization
- High system uptime in multi-kilojoule and petawatt-class laser systems
These capabilities directly support the advancement of fusion ignition research and the future of clean, scalable fusion energy.
Contact us today to speak to our fusion energy experts
Contact UsSolutions
WEBINAR: Advancing Pockels Cell Technology for Scalable Fusion Energy
In this joint webinar, G&H and Sydor Technologies trace the evolution of Pockels cell technology from bespoke lab components to commercially manufacturable systems purpose-built for next-gen fusion platforms.
G&H Photonic Solutions for Laser Fusion and ICF
