Congruent LiNbO3 crystals were grown using the Czochralski technique. Thermal

in-diffusion of Cu2+ into crystal wafers was performed at various temperatures. The

absorption peaks in transmission spectra indicated Cu2+ ion diffusion in crystal wafers. A broad absorption band, centered at 948nm, was observed in the

absorption spectra due to the vibronic transition associated with Cu2+ centers. A

significant red-shift in absorption edges indicated a decrease in the Li/Nb ratio in

Cu in-diffused crystal wafers. Powder XRD of pure and Cu in-diffused LN samples

revealed no structural change during thermal diffusion.

Cu2+ Ion In-Diffusion in Congruent LiNbO3 Single Crystals. S.Kar, K.S.Bartwal:

Materials Letters, 2008, 62[24], 3934-6