Lithium Tantalate Crystal Substrates and Wafers

MSE Supplies offers Lithium tantalate crystal substrates and wafers. Decide which orientation, size, and polish work the best for you; if we don't have what you're looking for in stock, please inquire with us about a custom product!

Introduction

Lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) is a ferroelectric crystal that has garnered significant interest due to its remarkable electro-optic properties. It is used in a wide range of applications including optical waveguides, acoustic devices, frequency filters, and even in medical ultrasound imaging. This article explores the unique properties of lithium tantalate crystal substrates and wafers and their various applications.

Crystal Structure and Properties

LiTaO3 has a perovskite crystal structure, similar to that of other ferroelectric crystals like barium titanate and strontium titanate. It is optically transparent in the visible to mid-infrared range and is optically birefringent. It has a high Curie temperature of 610°C and a large electro-optic coefficient of 30 pm/V, making it an attractive material for various electro-optic applications. Additionally, it exhibits a high piezoelectric coefficient, allowing it to convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations and vice versa.

Crystal Substrates and Wafers

Lithium tantalate crystal substrates and wafers are typically produced by a process known as the Czochralski method, which involves melting the material in a crucible and slowly pulling a single crystal from the melt. These crystals can be further processed into substrates or wafers using techniques such as slicing, lapping, and polishing. Lithium tantalate substrates are typically used as the foundation for devices such as surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters and resonators, while wafers are used for waveguide devices such as modulators and switches.

Applications

Lithium tantalate substrates and wafers find their use in a wide range of applications. One such application is in acoustic wave devices such as SAW filters and resonators, where the piezoelectric properties of LiTaO3 are exploited. These devices are widely used in telecommunications, radar systems, and other wireless communication applications.

Another application is in electro-optic devices such as modulators and switches. LiTaO3 is an attractive material for these devices due to its large electro-optic coefficient, which allows it to modulate light signals with low voltage. These devices find their use in telecommunications, optical sensors, and other high-speed communication applications.

Lithium tantalate is also used in medical ultrasound imaging. The material's high piezoelectric coefficient allows it to convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, which are then used to produce images of the body's internal organs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lithium tantalate crystal substrates and wafers are versatile materials with unique electro-optic and piezoelectric properties. They find their use in a wide range of applications such as acoustic wave devices, electro-optic devices, and medical ultrasound imaging. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that the demand for these materials will only continue to grow.

MSE Supplies offers Lithium tantalate Crystal Substrates and Wafers for the best price on our online store!