Domestic substitution process for lithium tantalate (LT) crystals

The Czochralski method has advantages such as fast crystal growth rate, flexible control of crystal growth conditions, and reduced crystal defects, making it the mainstream preparation method for lithium tantalate crystals.

Lithium tantalate is a chemical substance that appears as colorless or pale yellow crystals, with the chemical formula LiTaO3. Lithium tantalate crystals, also known as LT crystals, have electro-optic, pyroelectric, and piezoelectric properties. The nonlinear optical properties of lithium tantalate crystals are similar to those of lithium niobate crystals, but they have a higher damage threshold. As a multifunctional crystal, they are widely used in filters, optoelectronics, optical communications, and laser fields.

The main preparation methods for lithium tantalate crystals include the Czochralski method, vapor phase transport equilibrium technology, double crucible continuous feeding method, and potassium oxide flux Czochralski method. The Czochralski method uses tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) and lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) as the main raw materials, which are melted under high temperature conditions, and the crystal is grown by pulling, finally obtaining the finished product. The Czochralski method has advantages such as fast crystal growth rate, flexible control of crystal growth conditions, and reduced crystal defects, making it the mainstream preparation method for lithium tantalate crystals.

Benefiting from the continuous deepening of technology and application research, the development space of the lithium tantalate crystal industry is continuously expanding. According to the "2023-2028 China Lithium Tantalate Crystal (LT) Industry Market In-depth Research and Development Prospects Forecast Report" released by New World Industry Research Center, the global lithium tantalate crystal market size reached 1.57 billion yuan in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 3.6%. Lithium tantalate crystals are mainly used in filters, optoelectronics, optical communications, and laser fields, with SAW filters being the largest demand end. With the acceleration of the commercialization process of 5G, SAW filters have been widely used due to their advantages such as small size, lightweight, high operating frequency, and good frequency selection characteristics, which will provide favorable conditions for the development of the lithium tantalate crystal industry.

For a long time, Japan has occupied the dominant position in the global lithium tantalate crystal market. Under the restrictions of high technical barriers and high raw material costs, China's dependence on imported lithium tantalate crystals is relatively high.

New World industry analysts say that lithium tantalate crystals, as an important piezoelectric material, are widely used in optoelectronics, filters, and other fields. With the continuous acceleration of the commercialization process of 5G, the development space of the lithium tantalate crystal industry will continue to expand. At present, Japan occupies the dominant position in the global lithium tantalate crystal market. With the continuous improvement of the independent research and development strength of local enterprises, China's domestic lithium tantalate crystals will occupy more market space in the future.