Exploring Lithium Tantalate Wafers & Substrates by OST Photonics

Introduction of Lithium Tantalate Crystal Substrates and Wafers

Lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) is a ferroelectric crystal that has gained significant attention due to its exceptional electro-optic properties. OST Photonics, a leading provider of advanced optical solutions, offers high-quality lithium tantalate wafers and substrates for a wide range of applications, including optical waveguides, acoustic devices, frequency filters, and medical ultrasound imaging.

Crystal Structure and Properties of Lithium Tantalate

LiTaO3 possesses a perovskite crystal structure, similar to other ferroelectric crystals like barium titanate and strontium titanate. It is optically transparent from the visible to mid-infrared range and exhibits optical birefringence. With a high Curie temperature of 610°C and a large electro-optic coefficient of 30 pm/V, lithium tantalate is an attractive material for various electro-optic applications. Its high piezoelectric coefficient enables it to convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations and vice versa.

Production of Lithium Tantalate Crystal Substrates and Wafers

OST Photonics produces lithium tantalate crystal substrates and wafers using the Czochralski method. This process involves melting the material in a crucible and slowly extracting a single crystal from the melt. These crystals undergo further processing into substrates or wafers through techniques such as slicing, lapping, and polishing. Lithium tantalate substrates serve as the foundation for devices like surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters and resonators, while wafers are used for waveguide devices such as modulators and switches.

Applications of Lithium Tantalate Substrates and Wafers

Acoustic Wave Devices

Lithium tantalate substrates and wafers are extensively used in acoustic wave devices like SAW filters and resonators. The piezoelectric properties of LiTaO3 are exploited in these devices, which are widely used in telecommunications, radar systems, and other wireless communication applications.

Electro-Optic Devices

The large electro-optic coefficient of LiTaO3 makes it an ideal material for electro-optic devices such as modulators and switches. These devices, which can modulate light signals with low voltage, are used in telecommunications, optical sensors, and other high-speed communication applications.

Medical Ultrasound Imaging

Lithium tantalate’s high piezoelectric coefficient allows it to convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, which are then used to produce images of the body’s internal organs. This makes lithium tantalate wafers and substrates invaluable in medical ultrasound imaging.

The Future of Lithium Tantalate Wafers and Substrates

Lithium tantalate crystal substrates and wafers are versatile materials with unique electro-optic and piezoelectric properties. As technology continues to advance, the demand for these materials is expected to grow. Ost Photonics is committed to meeting this demand by providing high-quality lithium tantalite wafers and substrates for various applications. We continue to innovate and explore new applications for these materials, contributing to the advancement of technology in various fields.