Defect structure and optical fixing holographic storage of Mg:Mn:Fe:LiNbO3 crystals

Mg:Mn:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals were grown by the Czochralski method. The defect structure was analyzed by UV‐vis spectra and IR spectra. The holographic storage of Mg:Mn:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals was measured by the two color fixed method. The results show that with the increase of MgO doping concentration, the writing time becomes shorter, the dynamic range decreases, photorefractive sensitivity increases and fixing diffraction efficiency decreases. When the MgO doping concentration exceeds 4.5 mol%, the fixing diffraction efficiency approaches zero. The effect of doping Mg ions on the holographic storage properties of Mn:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals is discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Increased optical damage resistance of Zr:LiNbO3 crystals

Zr: LiNbO₃ crystals has been grown. The crystal composition and phase are analyzed by X‐ray diffration. The optical damage resistance ability of Zr: LiNbO₃ crystals is studied by the Sénarmont compensation method and the transmitted beam pattern distortion method. The saturated value of the birefringence change of 6 mol% Zr: LiNbO₃ crystal is 1.01×10^‐4, which is seven times smaller than that of congruent pure LiNbO₃ crystal. The results of UV‐Visible and IR absorption spectra of Zr: LiNbO₃ crystals powerfully confirm that the optical damage resistance threshold concentration of the Zr⁴⁺ ions doped in LiNbO₃ crystals is about 6 mol% in the melt. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Optimisation of chromium doping in LiNbO3 single crystals

Growth of undoped and Cr doped (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mol % Cr₂O₃) congruently‐ melting‐composition LiNbO₃ single crystals by Czochralski technique is reported. Chromium doping was optimised to get crystals with potential for an integrated, broadband, tunable laser in the 700‐1100 nm spectral range. Typical sizes of the grown crystals are 25‐30 mm in diameter and 30‐40 mm in length. Symmetrical and sharp conoscopy pictures confirm the optical homogeneity of the crystals. Optical transmission was recorded for both undoped and doped crystals. 70% transmittance was observed. The grown crystals have reasonably good laser damage threshold. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Optical absorption spectra of LiNbO3, Fe:LiNbO3, and Zn:Fe:LiNbO3 single crystals grown by Bridgman method

The optical absorption spectra of LiNbO₃ (LN), Fe:LiNbO₃ (Fe:LN), and Zn:Fe:LiNbO₃ (Zn:Fe:LN) single crystals grown by Bridgman method were measured and compared. The absorption characteristics of the samples and the effects of growth process conditions on the absorption spectra were investigated. The Fe, Zn and Li concentrations in the crystals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry. The results indicated that the overall Fe ion and Fe²⁺ concentration in Fe:LN and Zn:Fe:LN crystals increased along the growing direction. The incorporation of ZnO in Fe:LN crystal induced increase of Fe²⁺ in the crystal. Among Fe‐doped and Zn:Fe‐codoped LN single crystals, 3 mol% ZnO doped Fe:LN had a biggest change of Fe²⁺ ion concentration from bottom to top part of crystal. The effects of technical conditions (atmosphere and thermal history) on Fe²⁺ ion concentration were discussed. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

High photorefractive sensitivity and fast response time of near‐stoichiometric and MgO doped LiNbO3:Fe crystals

Congruent LiNbO₃:Fe and LiNbO₃:Mg,Fe crystals were grown by Czochralski method, and vapor transport equilibration technique was employed to improve the [Li]/[Nb] ratios of these crystals. The influence of stoichiometry and MgO dopant on the photorefractive sensitivity and response time of LiNbO₃:Fe crystals was investigated. Both stoichiometry and MgO dopant can effectively reduce the amount of intrinsic defects, but MgO can also decrease the concentration of Fe²⁺ ions in Li‐sites. Near‐stoichiometric and MgO doped LiNbO₃:Fe crystal has high photorefractive sensitivity and fast response time. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Photorefractive features of non‐stoichiometry codoped Hf:Fe:LiNbO3 single crystals

Hf(2mol%):Fe(0.05wt%):LiNbO₃ crystals with various [Li]/[Nb] ratios of 0.94, 1.05, 1.2 and 1.38 have been grown. The photorefractive resistant ability increases with the accretion of [Li]/[Nb] ratio. When the ratio of [Li]/[Nb] is 1.20 or 1.38, the OH^‐ absorption band shifts to about 3477cm^‐1. The mechanisms of the photorefractive resistant ability increase and the absorption band shift have been discussed. The exponential gain coefficient (Γ) of the crystals was measured with two‐beam coupling method and the effective charge carrier concentration (N_eff) was calculated. The results show that Γ and N_eff increase with the accretion of [Li]/[Nb] ratio. The temperature effect of codoped Hf:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals was also studied, it was found that the exponential gain coefficient increase dramatically at about 55°C, 70°C and 110°C, this is due to the inner electric field which is resulted from structure phase change. (© 2007 WILEY ‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Growth and photorefractive properties of Mg:Ce:Cu:LiNbO3 crystals grown by Czochralski method

In this paper, photorefractive properties of Mg:Ce:Cu:LiNbO₃ crystals were studied. The crystals doped with different concentration of Mg ions have been grown by the Czochralski method. Mg concentrations in grown crystals were analyzed by an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OE/MS). The crystal structures were analyzed by the X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) absorption spectra and infrared (IR) transmitatance spectra. The photorefractive properties of crystals were experimentally studied by using two‐beam coupling. In this experiment we determined the writing time, maximum diffraction efficiency and the erasure time of crystals samples with He‐Ne laser. The results showed that the dynamic range (M/#), sensitivity (S) and diffraction efficiency (η) were dependent on the Mg doping concentration, and the Mg(4.58mol%):Ce:Cu:LiNbO₃ crystal was the most proper holographic recording media material among the six crystals studied in the paper. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Microstructure and optical properties of Zn:Mn:Fe:LiNbO3 crystals

Zn:Mn:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals were prepared by Czochralski technique. Its microstructure was measured and analyzed by UV‐Vis absorption spectra. The optical damage resistance of Zn:Mn:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals was characterized by the transmitted beam pattern distortion method. It increases remarkably when the concentration of ZnO is over a threshold concentration. Its value in Zn(7.0 mol%):Mn:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystal is about three orders of magnitude higher that in the Mn:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystal. The dependence of the defects on the optical damage resistance was discussed. The non‐volatile holographic storage was realized in all crystals, and the sensitivity of the Zn(7.0 mol%):Mn:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystal is much higher than that of others. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

近化学计量比7LiNbO3晶体的生长和基本性能

为利用中子散射技术更好地研究铌酸锂晶体的结构缺陷,以Nb2O5和同位素的7LiOH为原料,采用提拉法从58.5;的7Li熔体中成功生长了近化学计量比的同位素7LiNbO3晶体.晶体质量约为35 g,室温下晶体密度为4.634g/cm3,采用差热热重(DTA/TG)分析仪测得晶体熔点为1223℃,在室温至1250℃范围内晶体重量未发生变化.室温下晶体在500～3200 nm波段平均透过率达74;,OH-吸收峰位置在2877 nm,利用紫外吸收边法测得晶体中7Li含量为49.46;.在633 nm波长下,利用c切晶片,测得晶体的折射率为No=2.2872,ne=2.1909.     

Growth and spectroscopic characterization of Zr:Fe:LiNbO3 crystals with various Li/Nb ratios

In this paper, Zr:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals with various Li/Nb ratios were grown by the Czochralski method from melts having compositions varying between 48.6 and 58 mol% Li₂O. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma optical emission/mass spectrometry (ICP-OE/MS), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption and the infrared (IR) spectrum were measured and are discussed in terms of the spectroscopic characterization. It was found that as the Li/Nb ratio increases in the melt, the Li/Nb ratio in the crystal also increases, the distribution coefficients of Fe and Zr ions decrease, the absorption edge shifts to a shorter wavelength, and the ZrO₂ threshold concentration of the samples decreases.     

Cr3+‐doped LiNbO3 crystals grown by the Bridgman method

The growth of LiNbO₃ crystals doped with Cr³⁺ ions in 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mol % concentrations by Bridgman method were reported. The Cr³⁺ ion concentrations in crystals were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Electron paramagnetic resonance had been used to investigate the sites occupied by the Cr³⁺ ions. Two Cr³⁺ ion centers located at Li⁺ and Nb⁵⁺ sites (Cr_Li³⁺ and Cr_Nb³⁺ centers, respectively) were observed. Optical absorption and temperature‐dependence emission spectra of the Cr³⁺ ions were reported. The crystal‐field parameters and Racah parameters of the Cr³⁺ ion defect sites were reported and compared with those grown by Czochralski technique. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Structure and optical properties of near stoichiometric Ce:LiNbO3 crystals

The near sotichiometric Ce:LiNbO₃ (Ce:SLN) crystals were grown by the top seeded solution growth (TSSG) method by adding K₂O flux to Li₂O‐Nb₂O₅ melt. Their UV‐vis absorption spectra and IR spectra were measured and discussed to investigate their defect structure. The results showed that the grown crystals were near stoichiometric and Ce ions in the crystals located the Li site. Photorefractive properties of Ce:SLN crystals were studied by two‐wave coupling experiment. The results of the two‐wave coupling experiments of the crystals showed that as the CeO₂ doping concentrations increased, the diffraction efficiency increased, photoconductivity decreased and the writing time and erasure time increased. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

近化学计量比Tb:Fe:LiNbO3晶体的光谱特性及组分测定

按化学计量比,用提拉法成功生长了不同掺量的Tb:Fe:LiNbO3晶体,分别测量了掺杂LiNbO3晶体在紫外(313nm)曝光前后的吸收光谱,曝光后吸收谱线整体上移,找到了吸收谱线上移最大的掺量比.并用差热分析仪DTA测量了居里温度Tc, 从而计算出Li/Nb的比例.分析表明,Tb:Fe:LiNbO3晶体的存储性能与掺量、定比有密切的联系,是一种优良的大容量体全息记录材料.     

Sc:Fe:LiNbO3晶体的生长和光学性能研究

研究双掺Fe(0.03wt;Fe2O3)和Sc(0,1,2,3mol;)铌酸锂晶体全息存储性能.通过晶体红外光谱测试发现:Sc:Fe:LiNbO3晶体中Sc的掺杂浓度超过3mol;时,Sc:Fe:LiNbO3晶体的O-H吸收峰的位置从低掺杂时的3484cm-1移动到3508cm-1.采用光斑畸变法测得(3mol;)Sc:Fe:LiNbO3晶体抗光损伤能力为3.3×103 W/cm2,比Fe:LiNbO3提高了二个数量级.晶体的红外吸收光谱和抗光损伤能力显示:Sc的掺杂浓度为3mol;时具有明显的阈值特征.采用波长为632nm的He-Ne激光器作为光源,通过二波耦合方法测试晶体全息存储性能.实验表明:在一系列Sc:Fe:LiNbO3晶体中,Sc(2mol;):Fe:LiNbO3晶体能获得最佳的光折变灵敏度和动态范围.     

Reduction of domain wall width in VTE treated near stoichiometric LiNbO3 crystals

LiNbO₃ is a ferroelectric crystal and grows with multi domains. Different domains are separated by boundaries which are known as domain boundaries. Domain walls for congruent and VTE (Vapor Transport Equilibration) treated near stoichiometric lithium niobate samples were visualised in different crystallographic directions using chemical etching technique. The sample is etched in the mixture of HF and HNO₃ (in 1:2 volume ratios) for 10 minutes at boiling temperature. Measured domain wall width was found approximately 15‐20 µm for congruent (CLN) and it reduces to 1‐3 µm for VTE treated near stoichiometric (SLN). Activation energies were also measured by two‐probe method and found to be increasing in stoichiometric sample. This activation energy is related to defect density in the crystals. Activation energy is higher for less defective crystals. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

过渡金属离子(Mn,Fe,Co)掺杂铝酸锂晶体的生长及光谱分析

采用提拉法分别生长了掺杂Mn、Fe以及Co元素的LiAlO2晶体,并对其结晶质量和光谱特性进行了研究.结果表明,LiAlO2:Mn、LiAlO2:Fe和LiAlO2:Co晶体的X射线双晶摇摆曲线半高宽分别为23.2 arcsec、12.9 arcsec和23.8 arcsec.LiAlO2:Mn与LiAlO2:Fe晶体在可见至近红外波段具有较高的透过率,而LiAlO2:Co晶体在500～700 nm波段存在吸收带;光致激发与发射光谱表明Mn2+在LiAlO2:Mn晶体中处于四面体晶体场内,而Fe3+替代Li+处于八面体格位;X射线激发发射光谱分析得出空气退火后γ-LiAlO2晶体出现了较强的缺陷发光,可归结为Li2O挥发后形成的F+心,而在同样退火条件下掺杂LiAlO2晶体中相应的缺陷发光不明显,说明Li2O的挥发被抑制,晶体的热稳定性得到了改善.     

Growth and characterization of near stoichiometric LiNbO3 single crystal

A near stoichiometric LiNbO₃ single crystal has been grown by the Czochralski method from a 58.5% Li melt hold in a large platinum crucible. High resolution X‐ray rocking curves of 30 0 and 0006 reflections indicated that the near stoichiometric LiNbO₃ crystal possesses the high structural quality. Compared with the congruent LiNbO₃, the near stoichiometric LiNbO₃ possesses shorter ultraviolet absorption edge, thus higher Li concentration. The OH^– infrared absorption band analyses showed that the Li concentration in the near stoichiometric LiNbO₃ crystal is higher than that in the congruent LiNbO₃ crystal. This result is in good agreement with that of the ultraviolet absorption edge. The electro‐optic (EO) coefficient γ₂₂ of the near stoichiometric LiNbO₃ crystal was measured to be 6.75 pm/V higher than that of congruent LiNbO₃ crystal. It also proves the near stoichiometric LiNbO₃ electro‐optic Q‐switched requires a low driving voltage and it is advantageous for the device performance. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Growth and characterisation of Zn:LiNbO3/Mg:LiNbO3 multilayer thin films grown by liquid phase epitaxy

1, 3 and 5 mol% ZnO doped LiNbO₃ film and 2 mol% MgO doped LiNbO₃ multilayer films were grown on the LiNbO₃ (001) substrate by liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) method with a Li₂O‐V₂O₅ system. We examined the optical transmission spectra of the Zn:LiNbO₃ by Fourier Transform‐Infrared Spectrophotometer (FT‐IR). The crystallinity and the lattice mismatch between the Zn:LiNbO₃ film and Mg:LiNbO₃ film was confirmed by x‐ray rocking curve (XRC) and observed the ZnO and MgO distribution in the cross‐section of the multilayer thin films by electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA). Furthermore, the surface morphology of the films was observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Growth and characterization of ferroelectric‐ferroelastic Tb2(MoO4)3 crystals

Transparent and nearly colorless ferroelectric‐ferroelastic β′‐Tb₂(MoO₄)₃ (TMO) single crystals have been grown by the Czochralski (CZ) method. The single crystal structure was investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction and was shown to be a single phase with the structure similar as the β′‐Gd₂(MoO₄)₃ crystal. The optical transparency of the TMO crystal has been measured and the crystal is almost transparent in the visible and near infrared regions. The defects of TMO crystal were evaluated by etching technique and the ferroelectric domain structures were observed by an optical microscope. A high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that the as‐grown TMO crystal possesses relatively high optical quality. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

近化学计量比铌酸锂晶体的研究进展

本文总结了近化学计量比铌酸锂晶体的不同生长方法及它们各自的特色,分析了锂铌摩尔比对晶体性能的影响及Li含量的各种表征方法.通过比较看出,采用K2O助熔剂生长近化学计量比铌酸锂晶体是一种较为实用的途径.基于此,我们采用K2O助熔剂提拉法和助熔剂-坩埚下降法生长了近化学计量比铌酸锂晶体,所得晶体的最大尺寸分别达到45mm×60mm和25mm×40mm.