Growth and concentration dependences of properties of LiNbO3:Tb crystals grown in a single technological cycle

A series of crystals LiNbO3:Tb ([Tb] = 0.1 ÷ 2.89 wt% in a crystal) and nominally pure near-stoichiometric crystal (NSLN) has been grown in a single technological cycle. Crystallization processes have been studied along with concentration dependences of physical, chemical and structural characteristics of LiNbO3:Tb crystals. LiNbO3:Tb atomic structure models have been analyzed by full-profile analysis of XRD patterns of powders. Regular and non-regular domain growth microstructures together with periodic nano-sized structures have been determined in as-grown LiNbO3:Tb crystals using optical and atomic-force microscopy. •LiNbO3:Tb crystals have a concentration threshold.•The threshold is at Tb = 2.2–2.3 wt% in a crystal.•The threshold is proved by physical, chemical, optical and structural properties.•LN:Tb contains structures in the range ∼10 nm–100 μm.