Copper–lithium ion exchange in LiNbO₃

Abstract

Copper-doped LiNbO 3 waveguides were prepared by Cu-Li ion-exchange process. Compositional, structural, and optical analyses were performed by secondary ion mass spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, and m-line spectroscopy, respectively. The chemical state of Cu 2+ ions was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance, and the results were correlated with structural modification of the LiNbO 3 matrix. Copper incorporation in the crystal took place under different regimes, and it induced a lattice rearrangement with the formation of new crystalline phases. Cu 2+ ions were surrounded by tetragonally compressed octahedra with rhombic distortions. Cu:LiNbO 3 optical waveguides were formed supporting two optical modes.

Electronic paramagnetic resonance study of Cu2+ ions in copper ion-exchanged layers of lithium niobate crystals

“…5, the total concentration of Cu 2+ ions for the examined samples ranges (3-7) × 10 18 cm −2 . As shown in Ref.…”

“…5 As a consequence, we assume that the Cu 2+ ions responsible for the g ‫ס‬ 2.15 line are located near the surface of the crystal where the total copper concentration is higher, according to SIMS data. 5 As a consequence, we assume that the Cu 2+ ions responsible for the g ‫ס‬ 2.15 line are located near the surface of the crystal where the total copper concentration is higher, according to SIMS data.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] In particular, the combined proton and copper exchange has recently attracted much attention for the creation of a solid state laser in LiNbO 3 , working in the yellow-green range. [1][2][3][4][5] In particular, the combined proton and copper exchange has recently attracted much attention for the creation of a solid state laser in LiNbO 3 , working in the yellow-green range.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] In particular, the combined proton and copper exchange has recently attracted much attention for the creation of a solid state laser in LiNbO 3 , working in the yellow-green range. Several EPR and optical studies were published on Cu 2+ ions into LiNbO 3 as host, 5,[7][8][9][10][11] but to our knowledge, none of them regarded the copper ion-exchanged LiNbO 3 crystal, except for Ref. Several EPR and optical studies were published on Cu 2+ ions into LiNbO 3 as host, 5,[7][8][9][10][11] but to our knowledge, none of them regarded the copper ion-exchanged LiNbO 3 crystal, except for Ref.…”

“…6 Thus, the possibility of the technological control of copper valence state concentration is of great interest. 5. 5.…”