Identification of LiNbO3 compositions with optimized functional properties for advanced electro-optical devices pp. 163-171

Various material and functional properties have been measured in lithium niobate crystals (LiNbO3) with different compositions, starting from conventional congruent composition, up to off-congruent and quasi-stoichiometric ones. The UV absorption edge has been measured and correlated with the crystal composition, showing the edge shift towards shorter wavelengths. The ferroelectric transition Curie temperatures have been determined by differential scanning calorimetry, and it increases with Li2O content in the crystal. The surface composition has been checked by micro-Raman spectroscopy. A narrowing of the linewidths has been observed for quasi-stoichiometric crystal, showing an ordered structure, if compared with congruent composition. The coercive field has been measured as a function of temperature for two different crystal compositions, and it has been found lower in the off-congruent substrate. The Ti-indiffusion process has been studied and compared in congruent and off-congruent LiNbO3 substrates by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The main diffusion process parameters have been determined. The Ti diffusion process has been found considerably slower in off-congruent substrates, if compared with conventional congruent LiNbO3, and resulted almost isotropic. The Li-outdiffusion phenomenon has been observed and correlated wit the Ti concentration profile. A careful control on LiNbO3 composition and material properties allows one to find the proper compositional window for the realization of various advanced optical and electro-optical devices.