LiTaO₃ Crystal – Lithium Tantalate Single Crystal

Description

Lithium Tantalate (LiTaO₃, LT) crystal is a high-performance multifunctional single crystal widely used in electro-optic, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, acousto-optic, and nonlinear optical applications. Due to its excellent electro-optic coefficients, high Curie temperature, broad optical transparency, and superior thermal stability, LiTaO₃ crystal has become an important material for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, optical modulators, infrared detectors, pyroelectric sensors, and nonlinear optical systems.

Compared with LiNbO₃ crystals, LiTaO₃ exhibits lower dielectric loss, higher optical damage resistance, and improved thermal stability, making it particularly suitable for stable and high-power photonic applications.

Key Features and Properties

• Wide optical transparency range: 280 nm – 5.5 μm
• Excellent electro-optic and piezoelectric properties
• High Curie temperature (~605 °C)
• Outstanding pyroelectric performance for IR sensing
• Good thermal and chemical stability
• Low dielectric loss and low optical absorption
• Suitable for SAW and RF filter devices
• High resistance to optical damage compared with LiNbO₃
• Available in multiple orientations (X, Y, Z-cut)

Technical Specifications

Chemical Formula	LiTaO₃
Crystal Structure	Trigonal (Rhombohedral)
Space Group	R3c
Crystal Class	3m
Lattice Constants	a=5.154 Å, c=13.783 Å
Density	~7.45 g/cm³
Curie Temperature	~605 °C
Melting Point	~1650 °C
Mohs Hardness	~5.5
Transparency Range	280 nm – 5.5 μm
Refractive Index	nₒ≈2.176, nₑ≈2.180
Electro-Optic Coefficients	r₃₃≈30.5 pm/V
Dielectric Constant	~43
Thermal Conductivity	~5.2 W/m·K
Surface Finish	SSP / DSP
Surface Quality	20/10 or 40/20
Orientation	X, Y, Z-cut
Applications	SAW, EO modulators, pyroelectric sensors, photonics

 

Typical Applications

• Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filters
• Electro-optic modulators and switches
• Infrared and pyroelectric detectors
• Nonlinear optical frequency conversion
• Optical waveguides and integrated photonics
• Piezoelectric and acousto-optic devices
• RF communication devices and sensors
• Laser Q-switches and beam modulation systems

Material Properties and Crystal Structure

• Chemical Formula: LiTaO₃
• Crystal Structure: Trigonal (Rhombohedral)
• Space Group: R3c
• Crystal Class: 3m
• Lattice Constants:
  • a = 5.154 Å
  • c = 13.783 Å
• Density: ~7.45 g/cm³
• Melting Point: ~1650 °C
• Curie Temperature: ~605 °C
• Mohs Hardness: ~5.5

Optical Properties

• Transparency Range: 280 nm – 5.5 μm
• Refractive Index (@633 nm):
  • nₒ ≈ 2.176
  • nₑ ≈ 2.180

Electro-Optic Properties

• Electro-optic Coefficients:
  • r₃₃ ≈ 30.5 pm/V
  • r₁₃ ≈ 8.6 pm/V
  • r₂₂ ≈ 3.4 pm/V

Thermal & Electrical Properties

• Dielectric Constant (εr): ~43 (Z-axis)
• Thermal Conductivity: ~5.2 W/m·K
• Thermal Expansion Coefficient:
  • a-axis: ~16 × 10⁻⁶ /K
  • c-axis: ~4 × 10⁻⁶ /K

Piezoelectric / Pyroelectric Properties

• Strong pyroelectric effect for infrared detection
• Excellent piezoelectric coupling for SAW devices

Standard Specifications

• Surface Finish: SSP / DSP (Single or Double Side Polished)
• Surface Quality: 20/10 or 40/20 Scratch-Dig
• Surface Flatness: λ/8 – λ/10 @632.8 nm
• Orientation Accuracy: ±0.5° or better
• Parallelism: <30 arcsec

Customization Options

Tinsan Materials provide custom LiTaO₃ crystal fabrication services:

• Custom crystal orientation (X-cut, Y-cut, Z-cut, 36°Y, 42°Y, rotated cuts)
• Optical-grade polishing for electro-optic applications
• Wafer thinning and ultra-flat polishing
• AR coatings for visible, NIR, and IR wavelengths
• Custom wafer diameter, thickness, and edge profiles
• Electrode metallization upon request

Packaging and Delivery

• Class 100 cleanroom packaging
• Anti-static and shockproof protection
• Vacuum-sealed packaging available
• Standard delivery time: 2–4 weeks
• Worldwide shipping with quality documentation

Why Choose Our LiTaO₃ Crystals

• High-purity crystal growth with excellent homogeneity
• Stable electro-optic and pyroelectric performance
• Precision wafering and polishing capabilities
• Flexible customization for RF, photonics, and sensor applications
• Strict quality control and inspection procedures
• Trusted by research institutes and industrial device manufacturers worldwide

Ordering & Contact Information

We offer flexible MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), competitive pricing and global shipping. For custom orders or technical inquiries, please contact us for a detailed consultation!