MgO:LiNbO3 is a type of acousto-optic crystal which is made by doping lithium niobate (LiNbO3) with magnesium oxide (MgO). This type of crystal is widely used in acousto-optic devices such as frequency shifters, deflectors, modulators and switches. The combination of lithium niobate and magnesium oxide creates a crystal with enhanced acousto-optic properties, making it a popular material in the field of photonics.
The MgO doping provides higher stability and reduces the threshold for second-harmonic generation compared to undoped LiNbO3. The combination of high electro-optic coefficients and strong crystal anisotropy make MgO:LiNbO3 an attractive material for the design of waveguide devices. Additionally, the crystal can be grown using low-temperature processes and has a low nonlinear absorption coefficient, making it suitable for high-power applications.