Influence of annealing on nanocrystalline LiNbO3 films properties

This work shows the results of studies on the effect of annealing on the properties of nanocrystalline LiNbO₃ films. Unannealed LiNbO₃ films are characterized by the formation of triangular grains and large droplets on the film surface. It has been shown that annealing in an oxygen atmosphere leads to significantly reducing the surface roughness of the films (from 63 to 47 nm) and the density of droplets on the LiNbO₃ film surface. It was established that annealing within 1 hour in oxygen atmosphere under temperature of 600°C allows increasing oxygen content in the film from 4.03 atm. % up to 11.02 atm. %. Using annealing made it possible to reduce the maximum value of absorption rate from 1.11 to 0.29. Obtained results can be used under development of energy converters and acousto-optic devices for use in electronics and medicine.