Characterization of Optical and Structural of Lanthanum Doped LiTaO₃ Thin Films

Abstract

Undoped, 5%, and 10% lanthanum doped lithium tantalate thin films were annealed at 550°C temperature for 12.5 hours and their properties were characterized. The results showed that the dopant addition affects the crystal formation of LiTaO₃, especially the 10% La₂O₅ dopant, where the lattice of a = 5.11 Å, c = 13.30 Å, and its crystal was hexagonal. The observed functional groups were O-H, N-H, C = C, Li-O, Ta-O. The higher La₂O₅ dopant concentration leads to the higher absorption of Ta-O and Li-O, the lower the energy gap, the higher the refractive index, and the smaller the particle size of thin films.

Keywords:

• Lithium tantalite
• lanthanum dopant
• optical properties
• structure
• thin films