Strontium barium niobate (SBN) and lithium niobate (LiNbO3) are materials which have a high potential for improved electro-optical applications because of recent discoveries. In SBN holographic writing, orthogonally polarized waves in so-called forbidden configurations have been established and in the case of LiNbO3 a new and rather simple crystal growth procedure for growing stoichiometric samples with strongly reduced optical damage has been identified.

This project concentrates, in the case of SBN, on the investigation of the icroscopic origin of the defect-induced dichroitic absorption bands of known and new impurities driving holographic writing, with the aim of improving the performance of the material. In LiNbO3 further routes for growth of stoichiometric material as well as the role of defects and crystal homogeneity on the optical behaviour of the material will be identified. Details of the electronic structure of the defects will be investigated with magnetic resonance methods.

The extensive range of sensitive methods available in the participating laboratories for investigating crystal structure and defects will be used to achieve the indicated goals.