Refractive indices and linear electro-optic properties of (1−x)Pb(Mg1∕3Nb2∕3)O3−xPbTiO3 single crystals

Abstract

The refractive indices and linear electro-optic (EO) properties of (1−x)Pb(Mg1∕3Nb2∕3)O3−xPbTiO3 single crystals were investigated over a broad composition range. The orientation and temperature effect on the EO coefficients were also examined. Large EO coefficients rc were observed near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). More importantly, rc of the single crystals on the tetragonal side of the MPB were nearly invariant in the experimental temperature range of 20–80°C. The calculated half-wave voltage Vπ was much lower than that of widely used EO single crystal LiNbO3. These excellent EO properties as well as being able to produce large-size and high-quality single crystals make this kind of single crystal very promising for EO modulation applications. The observed EO properties were also analyzed with the spontaneous polarization and dielectric constants.