A Generalized Sellmeier Equation For The Refractive Indices Of Lithium Niobate

Abstract

A temperature dependent generalized Sellmeier equation is proposed which takes into account the defect structure of stoichiometrically varying lithium niobate. The physical assumptions leading to the equation are briefly discussed. On the basis of this generalized Sellmeier equation all refractive index dependent effects in lithium niobate can be calculated in the wavelength range 400 - 1200 nm, the composition range 46 - 50 mol% Li content and the temperature range 50 - 600 K. The phase matching conditions for nonlinear effects like second harmonic generation and optical parametric oscillation are calculated. Excellent agreement is found with the respective experimental values. © 1994, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.