Growth, structure, physical and chemical characteristics in a series of LiNbO3:Er crystals of different composition grown in one technological cycle

• A growth of LiNbO 3 :Er ([Er] = 0.08–2.71 wt%) crystal series is described. • Concentration dependences of structure characteristics are studied. • Growth domain micro- and nanostructures are studied. • A concentration threshold is discovered near [Er] ≈ 2.4–2.5 wt% in LiNbO 3 :Er system. • Threshold manifests through changes in structure characteristics and domain structure. A series of LiNbO 3 :Er ([Er] = 0.08–2.71 wt%) crystals were grown due to one technology in a single technological cycle. A near-stoichiometric lithium niobate (NSLN) was grown as a control. Concentration dependences of LiNbO 3 :Er and NSLN crystals structure characteristics were studied. A full-profile analysis of polycrystals X-ray patterns was used to analyze models of LiNbO 3 :Er atom structure. Structure characteristics of LiNbO 3 :Er crystals are compares with that of NSLN crystal. Optical and atomic-force microscopy were used to study growth irregular and regular domain microstructures and periodic nano-structures in as-grown LiNbO 3 :Er crystals.