Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) Substrate 

Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) substrates are widely used in photonics, electro-optic modulators, optical waveguides, frequency conversion devices, and piezoelectric sensors. UniversityWafer supplies research and production-grade LiNbO3 wafers in multiple orientations, diameters, thicknesses, and surface finishes to support advanced optical, telecommunications, and semiconductor applications.

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Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) Wafers

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3 or LN) is an optical material that is well supported and widely used.

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Lithium Niobate Substrate

Applications of Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) Wafers

Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) is one of the most widely used crystalline materials in photonics, telecommunications, and advanced electronics. Its exceptional electro-optic, piezoelectric, and nonlinear optical properties make it an ideal substrate for research, prototyping, and commercial device fabrication.

LiNbO3 substrates are commonly used in:

  • Optical waveguides and integrated photonic circuits
  • Electro-optic modulators for fiber-optic communications
  • Acousto-optic devices and frequency shifters
  • Nonlinear optical frequency conversion
  • Piezoelectric sensors and transducers
  • Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices
  • Optical switches and laser systems
  • Quantum photonics and advanced research applications

Key Properties of Lithium Niobate Substrates

Researchers and engineers select LiNbO3 wafers because of their unique combination of optical, electrical, and mechanical characteristics:

  • Wide optical transparency range
  • High electro-optic coefficients
  • Excellent nonlinear optical performance
  • Strong piezoelectric response
  • High electro-mechanical coupling coefficients
  • Outstanding chemical stability
  • Good mechanical durability
  • Suitable for high-frequency photonic devices

LiNbO3 for Photonics and Optical Communications

Lithium niobate has become a foundational material for modern photonics. It is frequently used in optical modulators that enable high-speed data transmission in telecommunications networks. The material's electro-optic properties allow precise control of light signals, making it critical for data centers, fiber-optic infrastructure, and next-generation optical communication systems.

Nonlinear Optical Applications

LiNbO3 crystals are widely utilized for nonlinear optical processes including frequency doubling, optical parametric oscillation (OPO), wavelength conversion, and quasi-phase-matched (QPM) devices. These capabilities make lithium niobate a preferred substrate for laser technology, spectroscopy, and scientific instrumentation.

Custom Lithium Niobate Wafer Specifications

UniversityWafer, Inc. supplies lithium niobate wafers in a variety of diameters, thicknesses, crystal orientations, and surface finishes to meet the requirements of research laboratories, universities, government facilities, and commercial manufacturers.

Available specifications may include:

  • Custom diameters and thicknesses
  • Z-cut, X-cut, and Y-cut orientations
  • Single-side polished (SSP)
  • Double-side polished (DSP)
  • Research and production quantities
  • Custom fabricated substrates upon request

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