STRUCTURAL PERFECTION OF LITHIUM-NIOBATE CRYSTALS AND CERAMICS

The defect structure of Lithium niobate, a phase of variable compositi on, was studied by differential thermal analysis, second harmonic gene ration measurements, Raman spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The ni obium ions occupying lithium sites along the polar axis are expected t o produce the highest degree of disorder in the structure of lithium n iobate. Structural perfection of lithium niobate can be improved by ra ising Lithium content or by doping with cations which occupy Lithium s ites.