Polarization-Independent Second Harmonic Generation in 2D Van Der Waals Kagome Nb3SeI7 Crystals

Second harmonic generation (SHG) of 2D crystals has been of great interest due to its advantages of phase-matching and easy integration into nanophotonic devices. However, the polarization-dependence character of the SHG signal makes it highly troublesome but necessary to match the laser polarization orientation relative to the crystal, thus achieving the maximum polarized SHG intensity. Here, it is demonstrated a polarization-independent SHG, for the first time, in the van der Waals Nb3SeI7 crystals with a breathing Kagome lattice. The Nb-3 triangular clusters and Janus-structure of each Nb3SeI7 layer are confirmed by the STEM. Nb3SeI7 flake shows a strong SHG response due to its noncentrosymmetric crystal structure. More interestingly, the SHG signals of Nb3SeI7 are independent of the polarization of the excitation light owing to the in-plane isotropic arrangement of nonlinear active units. This work provides the first layered nonlinear optical crystal with the polarization-independent SHG effect, providing new possibilities for nonlinear optics.

Automated summary

Polarization-independent second harmonic generation has been achieved in van der Waals Nb3SeI7 crystals, which have a breathing Kagome lattice structure. The Nb3SeI7 crystals show a strong SHG response due to their noncentrosymmetric crystal structure. This work provides the first layered nonlinear optical crystal with polarization-independent SHG effect, opening up new possibilities for nonlinear optics.