Domain structure and electrical properties of Gd- and Tm-doped lithium niobate single crystals

Abstract

We have grown lithium niobate single crystals doped with rare-earth elements (Gd and Tm) and have examined etch patterns on their surfaces by atomic force microscopy. The thermal stability of their regular domain structure has been assessed, and their anomalous electrical properties have been studied in the temperature range 300-380 K