In-situ measurement of irradiation behavior in LiNbO3

Abstract

In-situ measurement of LiNbO3 based surface acoustic wave (SAW) crystal resonator device under irradiation was demonstrated and used to characterize the impact of radiation on physical properties of this material. The resonant frequency of the SAW device was monitored as the output power of the reactor was varied. Upon step increase of the reactor power, a gradual shift in the device’s resonant frequency was observed. This frequency shift initially exhibits a linear growth and eventually reaches an equilibrium value proportional to the reactor power. The observed behavior can be attributed to two competing processes: increase of temperature due to gamma heating or accumulation of irradiation induced defects. In both cases, the response is attributed to changes in the physical properties of LiNbO3, particularly the elastic constants. This demonstrated ability to measure materials properties under irradiation is attractive for development of sensors and performing materials science under irradiation.