Dilithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7) fabrication technology

Dilithium tetraborate (DLTB) is a piezoelectric material for frequency control and signal processing applications. The growth and fabrication technology of DLTB crystals are discussed, together with recent worldwide efforts to grow large bulk crystals and thin films. Special emphasis is given to: (1) the Czochralski technique, including the effort to eliminate a number of crystal defects arising from the use of this method and the activity for the growth of large diameter crystal boules: and (2) the sol-gel method for thin film preparation, including the effect of acid and water on crystallization and side products. Other lesser-used techniques for bulk and thin film production of DLTB, such as Bridgman growth, RF sputtering, vapor deposition, and laser ablation deposition, are discussed