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Lithium niobate photonics: Unlocking the electromagnetic spectrum
Andreas Boes1,2,3, Lin Chang4,5, Carsten Langrock6
1Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre (InPAC), School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 5, 2023
Summary
Lithium niobate (LN) is a versatile optical material enabling wave manipulation from microwave to UV frequencies. Its mature industry supports diverse applications, driving future photonic innovations.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Wave Engineering
Background:
- Lithium niobate (LN) has been synthesized for 70 years.
- Mature manufacturing and processing industries exist for LN crystals and wafers due to high-volume commercial applications.
- LN's ability to generate and manipulate electromagnetic waves across a broad spectrum (microwave to ultraviolet) is key to its success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a high-level review of lithium niobate (LN) as an optical material.
- To cover LN's history, photonic platforms, engineering concepts, spectral coverage, and applications.
- To offer an outlook on the future of LN in photonics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of LN's historical development and applications.
- Analysis of LN's material properties for wave manipulation.
- Synthesis of information on photonic platforms and engineering concepts.
- Compilation of spectral coverage and essential applications.
- Forecasting future trends and potential of LN.
Main Results:
- LN is a foundational material in modern photonics and communications.
- Established manufacturing enables diverse, high-performance photonic devices.
- LN's broad spectral manipulation capabilities are critical for numerous applications.
- Significant advancements have transitioned LN from lab to market.
Conclusions:
- Lithium niobate remains a critical material with a strong industrial base.
- Continued innovation in LN photonic platforms will drive future technologies.
- The outlook for LN in advanced optical and quantum applications is promising.
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