Refractive indices and linear electro-optic properties of (1-x)Pb(Mg[sub ⅓]Nb[sub ⅔])O₃-xPbTiO₃ single crystals

Abstract

The refractive indices and linear electro-optic (EO) properties of (1−x)Pb(Mg[sub ⅓]Nb[sub ⅔])O₃ −xPbTiO₃ single crystals were investigated over a broad composition range. The orientation and temperature effect on the EO coefficients were also examined. Large EO coefficients r[sub c] were observed near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). More importantly, r[sub c] of the single crystals on the tetragonal side of the MPB were nearly invariant in the experimental temperature range of 20-80°C. The calculated half-wave voltage Vπ was much lower than that of widely used EO single crystal LiNbO₃. These excellent EO properties as well as being able to produce large-size and high-quality single crystals make this kind of single crystal very promising for EO modulation applications. The observed EO properties were also analyzed with the spontaneous polarization and dielectric constants.