MXenes, a family of two-dimensional nanomaterials that have emerged in recent years, have attracted much attention in the field of optoelectronics due to their unique physicochemical properties and abundant elemental composition. Nevertheless, research studies on the broadband nonlinear optical properties of MXenes are rarely reported, especially in the deep ultraviolet region. Herein, we investigated the broadband nonlinear absorption properties (deep ultraviolet to near-infrared waveband) of Ti₃C₂ and Ti₃AlC₂ nanosheets by picosecond Z-scan. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that two-dimensional materials exhibit efficient optical limiting properties at deep ultraviolet wavelengths as short as 266 nm. Our results reveal the great potential of Ti₃C₂ and Ti₃AlC₂ nanosheets for laser protection, optical sensors, and device protection in the deep ultraviolet band, which are anticipated to be beneficial for the further design of MXene-based optical limiting devices.

High-quality crystals of HoCa ₄ O(BO ₃ ) ₃ were grown by the Czochralski method. The optical, thermal and piezoelectric properties were investigated.

High-quality crystals of Sm:GdCa ₄ O(BO ₃ ) ₃ were grown by the Czochralski method. The crystal structure and the optical and thermal properties were determined.

A novel disordered crystal Yb:YSr ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₃ is grown by the Czochralski method. Results indicate that it can be a promising candidate for ultrashort pulse generation and tunable broadband solid-state lasers.

Good quality single crystal of Tm³⁺ doped YPO₄ crystal with an astounding emission cross-section was grown utilizing the flux method and the KF–P₂O₅ flux was employed for the first time to grow YPO₄ crystal.

A passively Q-switched self-frequency doubling (SFD) green laser based on quasi-continuous diode-pumped and Nd:Ca₃TaGa₃Si₂O₁₄ crystal was developed for the first time with Cr⁴⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ as the saturation absorber. The output wavelength was 533 nm and the maximum average output power was 57 mW, corresponding to single pulse energy, pulse duration, and peak power of 190 μJ, 14.35 ns, and 13.24 kW, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the best result of diode-pumped, pulsed SFD lasers to date. Its compact components and low cost provide a better way to obtain an all-solid-state, miniaturized green laser with high peak power.