Photonic applications of lithium niobate crystals

In this paper the most important properties of lithium niobate crystals for photonic applications are reviewed. We will summarize how acting on the stoichiometry, sample structure, doping and domain structure of the crystals, these properties are governed, and can be taylored for each specific application. Finally we present a review of photonic applications in a wide spectrum of fields as lasers and non-linear optics, optical communications, optical memories, and diffractive optics. (C) 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.