Lithium Niobate Single-Crystal Wafer Fabrication via Edge-Defined Film-Fed Growth for In-Space Station Production Applications

This project introduces an innovative approach of fabricating thin-film and single-crystal lithium niobate (LiNbO3) samples using Liquid Phase Epitaxy (LPE) and Edge-Defined Film-Fed Growth (EFG) techniques. This project offers precise control over thickness, element composition, and crystallographic orientation, enabling high-quality and defect-free materials at a lower cost. Thanks to its exceptional optical, acoustic, and piezoelectric properties, LiNbO3 is critical for optics, telecommunications, quantum sensing, and space technologies. We expect to demonstrate our technology aboard the International Space Station, leveraging microgravity to minimize structural defects, enhance crystal purity, and enable scalable wafer production. This innovation directly addresses the increasing demand for high-performance LiNbO3 materials, ensuring a secure domestic supply chain.