Anomalies in the pyroelectric properties of LiNbO3 crystals of the congruent composition

Abstract

A number of anomalies are revealed in the temperature dependence of the primary pyroelectric coefficient for single-domain crystals of lithium niobate LiNbO 3 in the temperature range 310–330 K. It is shown that these anomalies are associated with the transformation of the domain structure of the lithium niobate crystals. The problem regarding the correct performance of the pyroelectric measurements and the possible influence of the observed effects on the optical properties of lithium niobate crystals and on the recording of optical phase holograms are discussed.