Process for oxidizing iron-doped lithium niobate

摘要

A process for oxidizing iron ions contained within iron-doped lithium niobate. The process comprises the steps of protonating the iron-doped lithium niobate crystal and then placing the same into a pressure chamber where between 10-100 atmospheres of dry, ultra-pure pressurized oxygen are applied. While under pressure, the crystal is heated to approximately 950° C. at a rate not to exceed 50° C. per minute, and preferably at a rate not less than 25° C. per minute. The resulting lithium niobate crystal will thereafter contain iron ions wherein the divalent iron ion ratio to the trivalent iron ion ratio is approximately 1:100.