The Integrated Quantum Optics group, led by Prof. Christine Silberhorn, together with collaborative partners from the University of Osnabrück led by Prof. Mirco Imlau, has published two articles in *Optical Materials Express*, which comprehensively investigate lithium niobate-tantalate (LNT) mixed crystals for quantum optical applications. These papers examine the optical properties of LNT from both linear and non-linear perspectives and provide a comprehensive foundation for researchers working with these materials.
Lithium niobate and lithium tantalate are both crystalline materials used in optical applications. When mixed in varying proportions, they form mixed crystals whose optical properties can be continuously tuned between those of the two pure materials. The first article, led by our Osnabrück-based collaborators, provides precise measurements of the refractive indices as a function of wavelength across various compositions and presents the fundamental optical parameters in terms of Sellmeier coefficients, which are essential for the development of quantum optical applications. Building on this linear characterisation, the second paper by the IQO group investigates how this tunability enables the development of materials with specific properties for quantum optical applications, e.g. for novel quantum light sources with tailor-made properties.
This research was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through DFG Research Unit FOR 5044 (www.for5044.de). The FOR 5044 project in Paderborn focuses on the further development of ferroelectric domain-wall-based nanoelectronics and related technologies.
Both articles are open access and freely available to everyone.
You can find the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1364/OME.592892
The article by the Osnabrück partners can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1364/OME.592118
