Lithium Tantalate LiTaO3 Crystal wafer High-Frequency SAW Filters High Piezoelectric Coefficient

Lithium Tantalate (LiTaO3) Crystal wafer High-Frequency SAW Filters High Piezoelectric Coefficient

Introduce

Lithium Tantalate (LiTaO₃) is a ferroelectric crystal that has attracted significant interest due to its exceptional electro-optic properties. It boasts a wide range of applications, including optical waveguides, acoustic devices, frequency filters, and even medical ultrasonic imaging.

Crystal Structure and Properties​

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Lithium Tantalate (LiTaO₃) crystallizes in a perovskite structure, analogous to other ferroelectric crystals such as barium titanate (BaTiO₃) and strontium titanate (SrTiO₃). It exhibits optical transparency across the visible to mid-infrared spectrum and possesses optical birefringence. With a high Curie temperature of 610°C and a large electro-optic coefficient of 30 pm/V, LiTaO₃ is an attractive material for diverse electro-optic applications. Additionally, its significant piezoelectric coefficients enable bidirectional conversion between electrical signals and mechanical vibrations.

Crystal Substrates and Wafers​​

Lithium Tantalate (LiTaO₃) crystal substrates and wafers are typically produced via the ​​Czochralski method​​, which involves melting the material in a crucible and slowly pulling a single crystal from the melt. These crystals can be further processed into substrates or wafers using techniques such as slicing, grinding, and polishing.

Lithium Tantalate substrates are commonly used as bases for devices like ​​Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filters​​ and resonators, while wafers are employed in waveguide devices such as modulators and switches.

Specification

​Applications​​
Lithium Tantalate (LiTaO₃) crystal substrates and wafers are widely utilized across diverse fields. One major application is in ​​acoustic devices​​, such as ​​Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filters​​ and resonators, where the piezoelectric properties of LiTaO₃ are leveraged. These devices are extensively employed in telecommunications, radar systems, and other wireless communication technologies. Another critical application lies in ​​electro-optic devices​​, such as modulators and switches. LiTaO₃ is highly valued for these applications due to its large electro-optic coefficient, enabling low-voltage modulation of light signals. Such devices find use in telecommunications, optical sensing, and high-speed communication systems.

LiTaO₃ is also utilized in ​​medical ultrasonic imaging​​. Its high piezoelectric coefficient allows efficient conversion of electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, which are then used to generate images of internal organs.

Q&A​​

Q1: What are the advantages of LiTaO₃ compared to quartz?
A1: LiTaO₃ has higher piezoelectric coefficients and electromechanical coupling, ideal for high-frequency and high-sensitivity applications.

Q2: How does LiTaO₃ perform in high-temperature environments?
A2: With a Curie temperature of 665°C, it maintains stable piezoelectric properties under high heat.

Q3: How to select the crystal cut (e.g., 36° YX-cut)?
A3: Depends on target frequency and device type. For example, 36° YX-cut is used in high-frequency SAW filters.