Erbium trivalent centers with axial symmetry in lithium niobate single crystals

Abstract

In this paper we deal with the Erbium ion centers (Er³⁺) with axial symmetry in a lithium niobate single crystal (LiNbO₃). The new Er³⁺ paramagnetic center in LiNbO₃ with trigonal symmetry has been discovered. Spin Hamiltonian parameters of the new center LiNbO₃: Er³⁺ i.e. g-factors: g parallel, g perpendicular ($g_{\Vert },g_{\perp }$) and hyperfine structure parameters ($A_{\Vert },A_{\perp }$), are similar to the axially symmetric Er³⁺ ion centers in lithium niobate described in the literature. A literature review was performed to collect the spin Hamiltonian parameters of all known LiNbO₃: Er³⁺ paramagnetic centers with axially symmetry. All erbium centers with axial symmetry (LiNbO₃: Er³⁺) were analyzed to find the Er³⁺ ion displacements relative to the lithium (Li⁺) or niobium (Nb⁵⁺) host ion using the g - shift method. The results were compared with literature data. Additionally, a crystallographic analysis of the dopant ion (Er³⁺) and its immediate environment was performed.