Lithium Niobate (LiNbO₃) Crystals

Applications:

Electro-optic modulators
Optical waveguides and integrated photonics
Laser frequency conversion and harmonic generation
Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs)
Fiber-optic communication systems
Precision optical sensors and interferometers

Industries Served

Fiber-optic telecommunications
Aerospace & defense
Semiconductor manufacturing
Medical and diagnostic imaging
Industrial sensing and metrology
Academic and commercial research laboratories

High-Optical-Quality Lithium Niobate for Electro-Optic & Photonics Applications

Lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) is a ferroelectric oxide crystal widely used for its nonlinear optical and electro-optic properties. Its ability to efficiently manipulate light and electrical signals makes it a foundational material in modern photonics, telecommunications, and laser-based systems.

Built for R&D. Proven for Production.

Technical Overview

Lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) is a ferroelectric oxide crystal exhibiting strong second-order nonlinear (χ²) and electro-optic (Pockels) effects, making it a core material for high-speed modulation and nonlinear frequency conversion in photonic systems. When grown from a congruent melt using the Czochralski method, lithium niobate offers excellent crystallographic uniformity, optical homogeneity, and reproducible electro-optic performance required for device fabrication.

Its high electro-optic coefficients enable low half-wave voltage operation and high extinction ratios in modulators, while its wide optical transmission window supports applications ranging from integrated waveguides to harmonic generation and optical parametric oscillation.

At Deltronic Crystal, large-diameter, optical-grade lithium niobate crystals are produced with tight process control to ensure material stability, repeatability, and compatibility with downstream photonic, telecom, sensing, and laser-based device integration.

Key Features and Benefits

Strong electro-optic coefficients for high-speed modulation
Wide optical transmission window
High extinction ratio and low half-wave voltage
Excellent material stability and repeatability

Specifications

Property at 25°C

Value

Empirical Formula

LiNbO3

Congruent Melt Composition

48.6 mole % Li₂0

Congruent Melting Point (°C)

1253

Crystal Structure

trigonal

Bandgap (eV)

3.7

Point Group

Curie Temperature (°C)

1143

Density (g-cm³)

4.659

Hardness (moh)

Thermal Expansion Coefficient (°C^-1)

a = 16.7×10^-6

c = 2.0 x 10^-6

Resistivity (ohm-cm)

> 1014 at 200°C

Lattice Constant (Å)

a = 5.14829 (hex)

c = 13.8631 (hex)

Spontaneous Polarization (Coul/m²)

0.71

Dielectric Constants

å^s₃₃ = 29 å^s₁₁ = 44
å^s₃₃ = 30 å^t₁₁ = 84

Refractive index, 514.5nm

n^o = 2.2099, n^e = 2.1476

Refractive Index, 633nm

n^o = 2.2884, n^e = 2.2019

Refractive Index, 1064nm

n^o = 2.2340, n^e = 2.1554

Electro-optic Coefficients at 633nm [pm/V] (constant tension)

r_{13 =}9.6 г₂₂ = 6.8 г₃₃ = 30.9
r_{51 =}32.6 r_c = 21.1

Crystallographic Orientations, Dimensions, and Tolerances

Orientations

X, Y or Z

Diameters

Up to 4 inches

Flatness

5μm

Orientation

6 minutes

Surface Quality

<10/5 μm (scratch/dig) 1^stSurface

20-30 2^nd Surface

Thickness Variation

<5μm

Index Uniformity

1 part in 10^-5

Compositional Uniformity

0.02 mole%

Why Choose Deltronic Crystal Lithium Niobate Crystals

Deltronic Crystal’s lithium niobate products are manufactured to exacting standards and supported by decades of crystal growth expertise, ensuring consistent performance across a wide range of optical and electro-optic applications.

Contact us to discuss specifications, custom requirements, or production volumes.

Call us at (973) 361-2222 or (973) 328-7000, or click here to contact us.