Lithium niobate (LN) is renowned for its exceptional properties, making it a valuable material in both scientific research and industrial applications. Its unique ability to interact with light and electrical signals, along with its broad operational spectrum and piezoelectric characteristics, has positioned it as a cornerstone in fields such as high-speed communication, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, neuromorphic computing, and precision sensing.
One of lithium niobate’s standout features is its capacity for ferroelectric domain engineering. This process allows precise control over the polarization states within specific regions of the material, enabling manipulation of its crystal structure. This versatility makes lithium niobate particularly well-suited for creating advanced optical and acoustic devices. Its ability to support such intricate domain engineering — a trait shared by only a few materials — provides a powerful tool for developing specialized functionalities in photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of the various techniques developed for engineering ferroelectric domains in lithium niobate. Over the years, various methods have emerged, each offering distinct advantages and trade-offs. Some techniques enable the creation of highly intricate and finely detailed domain patterns, essential for applications that require extreme precision, such as advanced optical devices.
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