What Are Lithium Niobate Substrates?
Lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) substrates are single-crystal materials with unique piezoelectric and electro-optic properties. They are widely used in semiconductor and photonic technologies, enabling applications in optical communication, RF filters, sensors, and quantum computing.
Applications in Semiconductor Fabrication
- Optical Devices: Used in modulators, waveguides, and photonic integrated circuits.
- Acoustic Wave Devices: Enables SAW and BAW filters for RF communication in mobile devices and wireless networks.
- Nonlinear Optics: Facilitates frequency doubling for laser systems.
- Quantum Computing: Key material for electro-optic modulators in quantum communication.
- Sensors: Ideal for pressure, temperature, and acoustic sensing applications.
- High-Speed Modulators: Supports data transmission in telecommunication and fiber optics.
Key Properties
- Piezoelectricity: Generates electric charge under mechanical stress.
- Electro-Optic Effect: Modulates light in response to an electric field.
- Thermal and Chemical Stability: Durable in high-temperature and harsh environments.
- Wide Transparency Range: Works across ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths.