Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) Crystal Properties – Shape Optics

Key Features

  • Wide transparency range: 0.4 – 5.5 µm
  • High electro-optic coefficient
  • Excellent nonlinear optical properties
  • High damage threshold
  • Available in various sizes and MgO-doped options

LiNbO3 Crystal 2

Description

Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) crystals are widely used in piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and electro-optic applications due to their excellent electro-optic and nonlinear optical properties. These crystals are particularly valuable in laser technology, including Q-switches for Nd, Nd, and Tilasers, frequency doubling above 1000 nm, and parametric oscillation. MgO-doping in LiNbO3 crystals effectively suppresses photorefractive damage and enhances the crystal’s damage threshold, making them suitable for high-power laser applications.

Shape Optics provides high-quality LiNbO3 crystals with doping concentrations of up to 5% MgO, customizable to various specifications, with diameters up to 60 mm × 60 mm.

Physical Properties

  • Crystal Structure: Trigonal
  • Mohs Hardness: 5 – 5.5
  • Density: 4.628 g/cm³
  • Transparency Range: 0.4 – 5.5 µm

Optical Properties

  • Refractive Index:
    • no=2.286n_o = 2.286no​=2.286
    • ne=2.203n_e = 2.203ne​=2.203 (at λ=632.8 nm)
  • Nonlinear Coefficients:
    • d31d_{31}d31​ (1.06 µm) = 2.1 ± 0.21 pm/V
    • d32d_{32}d32​ (1.06 µm) = 4.35 ± 0.44 pm/V
    • d33d_{33}d33​ (1.06 µm) = 27.2 ± 2.7 pm/V
  • Electro-Optic Coefficients:
    • r13=8.6pm/Vr_{13} = 8.6 pm/Vr13​=8.6pm/V
    • r22=3.4pm/Vr_{22} = 3.4 pm/Vr22​=3.4pm/V
    • r33=30.8pm/Vr_{33} = 30.8 pm/Vr33​=30.8pm/V
    • r51=28.0pm/Vr_{51} = 28.0 pm/Vr51​=28.0pm/V

Standard Specifications

  • Surface Quality: 10-5 scratch & dig (MIL-PRF-13830B)
  • Flatness: λ/4 @ 633 nm
  • Parallelism: < 10 arcsec
  • Perpendicularity: < 5 arcmin
  • Clear Aperture: > 90% of full aperture
  • Diameter Tolerance: +0.0 / -0.1 mm
  • Thickness Tolerance: ± 0.1 mm
  • Coating Options: AR/HR coatings available upon request

Applications

  • Laser Q-Switches: Ideal for use in Nd, Nd, and Tilasers.
  • Frequency Doubling: Effective for doubling frequencies above 1000 nm.
  • Optical Parametric Oscillators (OPO): Suitable for generating tunable mid-IR radiation.
  • Electro-Optic Modulators: Used in telecommunications and laser modulation.
  • Nonlinear Optics: Suitable for frequency mixing and harmonic generation.

Processing and Handling

LiNbO3 crystals require careful handling to maintain their surface quality and performance. Proper cleaning and storage are essential to avoid contamination and damage. Standard AR coatings can enhance performance and protect the crystal surfaces.

Why Choose Shape Optics

Shape Optics is dedicated to providing high-quality LiNbO3 crystals with precise control over their physical and optical properties. Our crystals are produced with the highest standards and undergo rigorous quality control to ensure superior performance.

Shape Optics Strength and Capabilities

  • High-Quality Materials: Utilizing the finest raw materials and advanced manufacturing processes.
  • Custom Solutions: Offering tailored solutions to meet specific application requirements.
  • Global Reach: Supplying high-quality crystals to clients worldwide.
  • Expert Support: Providing comprehensive technical support from our experienced team.

By choosing Shape Optics, you are assured of premium products backed by exceptional service and support, ensuring optimal performance for your applications.