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Ultraslow Shock Waves of Electron Density in LiNbO3 Crystals

S. Gronenborn, B. Sturman, M. Falk, D. Haertle, and K. Buse
Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 116601 – Published 8 September 2008
Physics logo See Synopsis: Charged shock waves

Abstract

We show, experimentally and theoretically, that the application of modest voltages, U0=(0.11)kV, to LiNbO3Fe crystals at sufficiently high temperatures, T(550700)°C, leads to the formation of ultraslow shock waves (moving discontinuities) of the electron density owing to the removal of electrons from Fe2+ centers. Behind the sharp wave front, almost all iron centers are in the Fe3+ state, the sample is optically transparent, and its transport properties are strongly modified. The front velocity decreases during the propagation; it is controlled by the electron mobility.

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  • Received 14 April 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.116601

©2008 American Physical Society

Synopsis

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Charged shock waves

Published 9 September 2008

Shock waves, familiar from hydrodynamics, acoustics, and optics, have been observed in the changing charge state of iron defects in lithium niobate crystals upon application of even a modest voltage across the crystal.

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Authors & Affiliations

S. Gronenborn1, B. Sturman2, M. Falk1, D. Haertle1, and K. Buse1

  • 1Institute of Physics, University of Bonn, Wegelerstrasse 8, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
  • 2Institute of Automation and Electrometry, Koptyug Avenue 1, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia

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Issue

Vol. 101, Iss. 11 — 12 September 2008

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