Real structure investigations of LiNbO3 single crystals grown by the flux method

The real structure of flux grown LiNbO₃ crystals is investigated by etching technique, X-ray topography, and optical polariscopic method. The main defects are microdomains, dislocations and minor impurities of V³⁺−ions. The crystals do not contain growth striations. The mean dislocation density is in the order of 10³ cm⁻². The main origin of the defects seems to be post-growth mechanical stress. The results are discussed in comparison to the real structure typically found in the case of Czochralski crystals.