Work

Structural and optical characterization of highly homogeneous lithium niobate tantalate single-crystal solid solutions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The compositional homogeneity of nominally LiNb 1−x Ta x O 3 (x = 0.45) single crystals is studied using micro-X-ray fluorescence and high-resolution X-ray diffraction. Highly homogeneous regions are reported with less than 1 % Ta variation over areas as large as 4 × 4 mm 2 in z-cut specimens. To our knowledge, this represents the most detailed study of homogeneity in lithium niobate tantalate (LNT) solid solutions to date, establishing a quantitative benchmark for future studies. Spectroscopic ellipsometry shows a decreasing refractive index and blue-shift in optical absorption with increasing Ta content, while the dielectric response remains structurally consistent. These investigations establish a quantitative benchmark for selecting compositionally homogeneous LNT crystals suitable for applications such as second-harmonic generation, Raman spectroscopy, piezoresponse force microscopy, and domain wall conductivity.

Source: Journal of Crystal Growth

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2025.128422

Authors: Umar Bashir, Saud Bin Anooz, Martin Schmidbauer, Lukas M. Eng, Matthias Bickermann, Steffen Ganschow

Institutions: Technische Universität Dresden, Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth, Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter

Language: English

Topic: Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Materials

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,110

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, European Regional Development Fund