Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3), often abbreviated as LN, is a nonlinear optical crystal that is widely used in a variety of photonics applications due to its excellent electro-optic, piezoelectric, and photorefractive properties. It is one of the most important materials for the development of optical modulators, frequency converters, and other photonic devices.
Properties of Lithium Niobate:
- Strong Nonlinear Optical Coefficients: LN has very high nonlinear optical coefficients, which make it highly effective for frequency doubling (second harmonic generation) and other nonlinear optical processes.
- Wide Transparency Range: It has a broad transparency range from the visible (approximately 400 nm) to the mid-infrared (around 5000 nm), allowing its use across various light wavelengths.
- High Electro-Optic Coefficient: Lithium Niobate is renowned for its strong electro-optic effect, which is utilized in modulating light beams through electric fields, making it a staple in telecommunications for modulating laser signals.
- Photorefractive Effect: LN displays significant photorefractive effects, which can be exploited in dynamic holography and optical storage applications.
Applications of Lithium Niobate:
- Optical Modulators and Switches: Due to its high electro-optic coefficient, LN is extensively used in optical modulators, which are critical components in fiber optic communications systems for encoding information onto a light wave.
- Frequency Doubling Devices: LN is used in green laser pointers and other devices that require frequency doubling or mixing to generate visible light from infrared lasers.
- Quantum Computing: The nonlinear and electro-optic properties of lithium niobate are also being explored for applications in quantum computing, particularly in the development of quantum gates and photonics-based quantum circuits.
- Integrated Photonics: LN is employed in the fabrication of integrated photonic devices, including waveguides, due to its ability to guide light efficiently and its compatibility with various photonic integration techniques.
- Acoustic Sensors and Actuators: The piezoelectric properties of lithium niobate make it suitable for use in surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, which are used in sensors, filters, and oscillators in a wide range of electronic applications.
The production of high-quality lithium niobate crystals typically involves the Czochralski process, ensuring the precise alignment and purity necessary for optimal performance in photonics applications. The versatility of LN makes it a fundamental material in the development of modern optical and electronic technologies.
Shapeoptics is Able to Offer
- Size upto 10 x 10 x 20mm
- Length from 0.02mm～20mm
- Coating upon your request
Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) or LN Crystal is widely used as frequency doublers for wavelength over 1m and optical parametric oscilla- tors (OPOs) pumped at 1064 nm and quasi-phase-matched (QPM) devices. Additionally due to its large Electro-Optic (EO) and Acousto- Optic (AO) coefficients LiNbO3 is the most commonly used material for Pockels Cell, Q-switches and phase nodulators, waveguide substrate, and surface acoustic wave (SAW) wafers, etc.
Shapeoptics offers a comprehensive range of materials and advanced equipment for custom and OEM optical components, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing lenses, prisms, windows, and more. We utilize high-quality materials like UV and IR grade fused silica, Germanium, and ZnSe, among others. Our state-of-the-art techniques and equipment minimize waste and optimize delivery times. Our in-house capabilities include standard and custom coatings across the UV-NIR spectrum, ensuring high quality and compliance with all industry standards. For precision and reliability in optics, contact Shapeoptics for your next project.
