Single-crystalline KNb_3O_8 nanowires with widths of 100-300 nm and lengths up to tens of microns were synthesized by calcining Nb_2O_5 powders in molten KCl and K_2SO _4. The phase of the products was determined by means of x-ray diffraction, and the morphology and structure were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction techniques. The growth direction of the KNb_3O_8 obtained was determined to be the [001] crystallographic direction. Meanwhile, the polarization response of the second-harmonic generation (SHG) response was investigated. The as-synthesized nanowires clearly exhibited a SHG response, which means that the nanowires were an efficient nanoscale second-harmonic light source. The excellent nonlinear optical property of KNb_3O _8 shows potential for application in nano-optical devices.
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