Cr3+-doped LiNbO3 crystals grown by the Bridgman method

The growth of LiNbO3 crystals doped with Cr3+ ions in 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mol % concentrations by Bridgman method were reported. The Cr3+ ion concentrations in crystals were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Electron paramagnetic resonance had been used to investigate the sites occupied by the Cr3+ ions. Two Cr3+ ion centers located at Li+ and Nb5+ sites (CrLi3+ and CrNb3+ centers, respectively) were observed. Optical absorption and temperature-dependence emission spectra of the Cr3+ ions were reported. The crystal-field parameters and Racah parameters of the Cr3+ ion defect sites were reported and compared with those grown by Czochralski technique. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)