Lithium tantalate is a chemical substance with colorless or light yellow crystal appearance, and its chemical formula is LiTaO3. Lithium tantalate crystal, also known as LT crystal, has electro-optical properties, thermoelectric properties and piezoelectric properties.
The nonlinear optical properties of lithium tantalate crystal are similar to those of lithium niobate crystal, but its damage threshold is higher. As a multi-functional crystal, it is widely used in filter, optoelectronics, optical communication and laser fields.
The main preparation methods of lithium tantalate crystal include melt pulling method, vapor phase transport equilibrium technology, double crucible continuous feeding method and potassium oxide flux pulling method. The melt pulling method uses tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) and lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) as the main raw materials, and melts them under high temperature conditions. After pulling, the crystal grows and the final product is obtained.
The melt pulling method has the advantages of fast crystal growth, flexible control of crystal growth conditions, and reduction of crystal defects. It is the mainstream method for preparing lithium tantalate crystals.
Lithium tantalate crystal is mainly used in filter, optoelectronics, optical communication and laser fields, and SAW filter is the largest demand end. With the acceleration of 5G commercialization, SAW filters have been widely used because of their small size, lightweight, high operating frequency, good frequency selection characteristics and other advantages, which will provide favorable conditions for the development of lithium tantalate crystal industry
The main players in the global lithium tantalate crystal market include Korth Kristalle, Shin Etsu, Oxide, SUMITOMO…
For a long time, Japan has occupied the leading position in the global lithium tantalate crystal market
The main participants in China's lithium tantalate crystal market include ZJTT, ZHGK, JLZK, ZJJS, etc. With the continuous improvement of national policy support and the independent research and development strength of local enterprises, the process of domestic substitution of lithium tantalate crystals in China is accelerating.
In 2016, ZJTT independently developed lithium tantalate surface acoustic wave (SAW) chips, and 6 inch lithium niobate chips for surface acoustic wave devices (TC-SAW) have been successfully mass produced.
As an important piezoelectric material, lithium tantalate crystal is widely used in optoelectronics, filters and other fields. With the acceleration of 5G commercialization, the development space of lithium tantalate crystal industry will continue to expand.
At present, Japan occupies the leading 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.