Laser-assisted surface and domain microstructuring of lithium niobate

This thesis presents the results of investigations into the nano-structuring of lithium niobate using the combined or sequential action of laser light and a chemical etch (a mixture of hydrofluoric and nitric acids). Novel methods to characterise ferroelectric domains using Raman spectroscopy and surface second harmonic generation are also described. The use of Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic technique for recently poled lithium niobate was investigated. The position of several Raman peaks were observed to be shifted following electric-field domain inversion; some these peaks returned to their original positions with a characteristic time constant that is related to the recovery of the internal field of lithium niobate. Surface second harmonic generation was also shown to be able to distinguish between opposite z faces of virgin and poled lithium niobate.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Ph.D.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Southampton

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Scott, J.G.