Impact of Zn Doping on the Photorefractive Effect and Structural Properties of Lithium Niobate

The aim of this study is to conduct theoretical investigations on the structural properties of lithium niobate (LiNbO3) doped with different concentrations of the zinc (Zn). The effect of point defects on physical properties has been studied using an approach that combines ferroelectric phase transition theory and LN vacancy models doped with impurities having various valences. The low-concentration modification may be accounted for by a decrease of the Li vacancy concentration due to the Zn incorporation into Li sites. Modification at high concentrations are obviously due to a partial incorporation of Zn ions on Nb sites, which is reflected in optic damage resistance.