Lithium niobate bulk crystallization promoted by CO2 laser radiation

► Crystallization of LiNbO3 nanocrystals in a SiO2 matrix by CO2 laser irradiation process. ► Samples heat-treated at 650 °C (4 h) and laser treated (4 W/500 s) show similar morphology. ► Glass-ceramics produced by laser process requires a very low processing time.