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G&H growing electro-optical crystals - A collection of polished electro-optical crystal boules arranged on a dark surface. The transparent, cylindrical crystals have glossy finishes and unique internal reflections, indicating high purity and precision for use in advanced optical or photonic applications.

Cadmium Selenide Crystals (CdSe)

Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) crystals from G&H offer excellent acousto-optic performance in the mid-IR range, ideal for modulation and deflection applications in infrared laser systems.

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Product description

Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) is a II–VI semiconductor crystal used extensively in infrared optics and electro-optic applications. It has a wide transmission window (0.7–20 µm), excellent IR birefringence, and high damage thresholds. In addition to waveplates, CdSe is now a proven material in electro-optic modulators such as G&H’s CDX Series, expanding its utility into pulse slicing, Q-switching, and high-speed laser control.

Crystal boules also available, we cultivate and offer structurally flawless large boules devoid of defects, striations, or inclusions. Our boules boast an exceptionally low dislocation density, with sections entirely free of dislocations. With our oversized boules, we're capable of crafting exceptionally large optical elements.

Key features

  • Crystal grown and fabricated in-house by G&H
  • Supports IR waveplates from 3-12 micrometers and EO modulators from 3–7 µm
  • Used in CDX series electro-optic solutions
  • Available with AR coatings and OEM mounting
  • Broad compatibility with CO₂ and QCL lasers
  • Crystal boules available

Related Products

  • IR Waveplates for CdSe (XCN/XPN Series)
  • CDX Series EO Modulators (Pulse Slicing / Picking)
  • Quantum optics & IR transmission kits

Specifications

NameValue
Crystal TypeCadmium Selenide (CdSe)
Crystal StructureHexagonal (wurtzite)
Point Group Structure6
Band Gap~1.7 eV
Transparency Range0.7 – 20 µm
Refractive Range~2.43 @ 10.6 µm
Damage threshold>3.5 J/cm² (2.94 µm, 100 ns, 3 Hz)
Wavefront distortion< λ/10 @ 10.6 microns
Available SizesCustom crystal, 3-9 mm EO modulator aperture, Multi-order waveplates up to 29 mm

Applications

  • Infrared waveplates and retarders
  • Soleil-Babinet compensators
  • Polarizing prisms such as Wollaston prisms
  • Quantum dot fabrication and optoelectronics
  • Electro-optic modulation (Q-switching, pulse picking)
  • CO and QCL laser systems
  • Polarization control in IR imaging and laser delivery
  • SHG and OPO