Composition dependence of the OH-stretch-mode spectrum in lithium tantalate

Abstract

The infrared absorption spectrum of the OH-stretch-mode in lithium tantalate is measured for crystals of different compositions. The spectrum exhibits two prominent lines which are representative for ideal and for Li-deficient sites in the crystal, respectively. Position, shape, and intensity of the two lines thus depend on crystal composition in a characteristic way. A comprehensive quantitative description is given which shows that the technique can be used as a sensitive non-destructive tool to rate the composition of lithium niobate. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)