Refractive index changes and nuclear activation upon irradiation of lithium niobate crystals with different low-mass,high-energy ions

Refractive index changes \(\Delta n\) in lithium niobate crystals upon irradiation with high-energy protons, deuterons, \(^3\) He, and \(^4\alpha \) particles (up to 14 MeV/nucleon) are created, and the accompanying, unwanted nuclear activation is investigated. The measurements give answers to the question which ion is the best choice depending on the requirements: largest values of \(\Delta n\) are achieved with \(^4\alpha \) particles, low nuclear activation with deuterons, or the best tradeoff between \(\Delta n\) and activation with \(^3\) He, respectively.