Cathodoluminescence emission from LiNbO3 single crystals

Abstract
Cathodoluminescence (CL) emission from as‐grown, thermochemically reduced and mechanically damaged LiNbO3 single crystals has been studied in the scanning electron microscope. Three emission bands at 410, 525, and 580 nm have been observed. The CL spectra strongly depend on the deformation at the surface region. An intense emission with its peak in the infrared region has been observed. Severe damage is induced by irradiation with the electron microscope beam at very high current intensities.