LiNbO3 (Lithium niobate, LN) crystal is a negative uniaxial crystal with a wide transmission spectrum from 350nm to 5200nm, from visible to near-infrared wavelengths. Belonging to the trigonal crystal system, LiNbO3 crystals exhibit a unique combination of optical, electrical, and mechanical characteristics, making them indispensable in various technological applications and one of the most versatile crystal materials. LiNbO3 crystals have excellent piezoelectric, electro-optic, and nonlinear optical properties. 

One of the most notable features of LiNbO3 crystals is their inherent birefringence, stemming from the non-centrosymmetric crystal structure. This characteristic allows for the splitting of incident light into two orthogonal polarization states, enabling a plethora of optical functionalities. Their robustness, low optical absorption, low production cost and high damage threshold render them attractive candidates for manufacturing polarizing optics. Birefringent LiNbO3 crystals also find widespread usage in the realm of fiber communication for applications such as isolators, circulators, beam displacers.

North Optics offers various forms of LiNbO3 Crystals including LiNbO3 crystal ingots, LiNbO3 crystal blanks, and LiNbO3 polished substrates. High-precision polishing and AR/P-coatings can be arranged. LiNbO3 crystals and MgO: LiNbO3 crystals for EO applications and MgO:PPLN Crystals are also available in North Optics.