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Temperature-dependent microstructural evolution and phase transformation mechanism of LiNbO3 bicrystal interfaces
Kailin Chen1, Xuexi Yan1, Hao Wang1
1Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China; School of Material Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Shenyang 110016, China.
Micron (Oxford, England : 1993)
|October 17, 2025
Summary
Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) bicrystal interfaces were studied, revealing LiNb3O8 phase formation below 700°C due to Li2O volatilization. Higher temperatures (above 900°C) yield a perfect LiNbO3 single crystal, crucial for optoelectronic devices.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Optoelectronic engineering
Background:
- Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) is vital for optoelectronics due to its optical and electro-optic properties.
- Its performance is critically dependent on its phase structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phase structure and transitions at LiNbO3 bicrystal interfaces.
- To understand the influence of sintering temperature on interface phase formation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of LiNbO3 bicrystals via thermal diffusion bonding at varying temperatures.
- Characterization using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- LiNb3O8 phase forms at interfaces below 700°C, growing with temperature.
- Above 900°C, the LiNb3O8 phase disappears, resulting in a perfect LiNbO3 single crystal.
- Li2O volatilization at low temperatures causes LiNb3O8 formation, replenished from the bulk at higher temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Sintering temperature critically controls the phase structure at LiNbO3 bicrystal interfaces.
- Optimizing sintering temperature prevents unwanted LiNb3O8 formation for stable, high-performance devices.
- Findings guide the preparation of advanced LiNbO3-based optoelectronic devices.
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