Investigation on the defect structure and light-induced scattering of LiNbO3:Fe:Mg:Zr crystals with various Li/Nb ratios

A series of LiNbO3:Fe:Mg:Zr single crystals with various Li/Nb ratios in the melt were grown by the Czochralski method in the air. The ultraviolet–visible and infrared transmittance spectra were measured to investigate the defect structures of these crystals. A new vibration peak of 3502 cm−1 was observed in infrared transmittance spectra. The sequence of substitution was concluded according to the spectroscopic characterization. The light-induced scattering of LiNbO3:Fe:Mg:Zr crystals was characterized quantitatively via the incident exposure energy, and the relationship between the defect structures and light-induced scattering was discussed.

► A series of LiNbO3:Fe:Mg:Zr single crystals with various Li/Nb ratios were grown.
► The ultraviolet–visible and infrared transmittance spectra were measured to conclude the ion occupation.
► A quantitative method was proposed to scale light-induced scattering in LiNbO3:Fe:Mg:Zr crystals.