Study on the absorption characteristics and birefringence of Ce-doped SBN

Cerium-doped Sr0.60Ba0.40Nb2O6 (SBN:60) crystals were obtained by Czochralski method. Optical transmission spectra were measured and the absorption coefficients were calculated in the visible range. The results showed that Ce-doped crystals were transparent for wavelengths more than 650nm and the fundamental absorption edge shifted towards the longer wavelength direction with increasing Ce concentrations. In addition, the birefringence of crystals were investigated based on the theory of interference between extraordinarily and ordinarily polarized light, and the birefringence values were determined in the long wavelength region. As a result, the birefringence becomes larger by doping of SBN crystals with cerium.