Lithium Niobate: Defects, Photorefraction and Ferroelectric Switching [Paperback]

This book covers new research on LiNbO<SUB>3</SUB> including current studies on intrinsic and extrinsic point defects and the contribution of intrinsic defects to photoinduced charge transport. Applications of this material are also discussed.

Point Defects in LiNbO3.- General Introduction to Photorefraction in LiNbO3.- Photorefraction in LiNbO3 Crystals with Different Stoichiometry and/or Doped with Optical-Damage-Resistant Impurities.- Problem of a Non-Erasable Photorefractive Hologram.- Properties to Characterize Undoped and Optical-Damage-Resistant LiNbO3 Crystals.- Polarization Reversal and Ferroelectric Domains in LiNbO3 Crystals.

The book presents the current state of studies of point defects, both intrinsic and extrinsic (impurities, radiation centers, etc.), in LiNbO₃. The contribution of intrinsic defects to photoinduced charge transport, i.e. to the photorefraction, is explained. The photorefractive and optical properties of LiNbO₃ crystals with different stoichiometry and of those doped with so-called optical-damage resistant impurities controlling the intrinsic defect structure are described in detail. Applications included are to the problem of non-erasable recording of photorefractive holograms in LiNbO₃ and the current situation of studies in the ferroelectric switching and domain structure of LiNbO_3, as well as the creation of periodically-poled structures for the optical frequency conversion.

Summarizes the current state-of-the-art in LiNbO₃ research

Provides basic materials information and a survey of applications of this material

Serves as a reference work for both researchers and engineers

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