Electronic paramagnetic resonance study of Cu2+ ions in copper ion-exchanged layers of lithium niobate crystals

Abstract

Copper-doped LiNbO3 layers prepared by an Cu–Li ion-exchange process are characterized by electronic paramagnetic resonance. It is found that the majority of Cu2+ ions are coupled by strong exchange interactions which is characteristic of short distances between paramagnetic ions. Such ions are accumulated in a thin layer near the crystal surface and can enter in new crystalline phases formed as a result of the Cu–Li ion exchange. A small amount of Cu2+ ions is incorporated into weakly distorted LiNbO3 crystal lattice inside the diffusion layer.