LNOI Thin-Film Lithium Niobate – Solutions for High-Speed Electro-Optic Modulation and Frequency Conversion

1. What is LNOI?

Lithium Niobate on Insulator (LNOI) is a cutting-edge material platform. In addition, it combines the proven advantages of lithium niobate with the flexibility of thin-film integration. A thin layer of lithium niobate is placed on an insulating substrate, usually silicon dioxide.

This design improves light confinement, lowers energy use, and supports smaller devices. As a result, LNOI has become a leading choice for modern photonics, high-speed communications, and quantum technologies.

2. Key Benefits of LNOI

High electro-optic effect
LNOI offers fast, low-power modulation for optical signals. Moreover,This makes it ideal for data centers and telecom networks.
Efficient nonlinear optics
The strong second-order nonlinearity supports frequency doubling.In addition,wavelength mixing, and frequency comb generation.
Compact and low-loss design
Thanks to its insulator layer, LNOI enables submicron waveguides with strong light confinement. In addition,devices become smaller yet more efficient.
Integration with other platforms
LNOI works well with silicon photonics, silicon nitride, and other semiconductor materials. Moreover,This allows multifunctional photonic chips.
Wide application range
Beyond optics, LNOI also supports radio-frequency devices and precision sensors.

3. Fabrication of LNOI

There are several methods to produce LNOI wafers:

Smart-cut technology – uses ion implantation and wafer bonding to transfer a thin LN layer onto an insulator.
Direct wafer bonding – bonds LN to SiO₂ for large-scale and consistent production.
Hybrid growth – uses epitaxial techniques for specialized structures.

Each method has its strengths, but all aim to deliver high-quality wafers with lower cost and scalable manufacturing.

4.Specification of LNOI

Layers	Parameters	Specifications
Top Functional Layer	Material	Lithium Niobate / Lithium Tantalate
	Diameter	3″ / 4″ / 6″ / 8″
	Surface orientation	X-cut or per request
	Primary flat orientation	per request (deg°)
	Secondary flat orientation	per request
	Film Thickness (avg)	300–600 nm
	Front side / face roughness	Optical polished
Isolation Layer	Buried Oxide avg thickness	4600 / 4700 / 4800 nm
	Buried Oxide thickness uniformity	-5 / 0 / 5 %
Support Substrate	Material	Si / LN / Sapphire / Quartz / etc.
	Diameter	3″ / 4″ / 6″ / 8″
	Support layer total thickness	525 / 525 / 625 / 725 µm
	Device growth method	CZ / CZ / ZVD / Hydrothermal
	Device orientation	{100} ± 0.5°
	Device doping type	N
	Device dopant	Phos
	Surface finish	10 nm

5.Application Areas of LNOI

Optical Communications
LNOI modulators achieve high bandwidth and low power use, critical for modern telecom and cloud computing.
Integrated Photonics
Engineers design LNOI waveguides with ultra-low loss. These waveguides form the backbone of compact photonic chips.
Nonlinear Optics
LNOI enables efficient wavelength conversion and optical frequency combs. Both industry and research labs benefit.
Quantum Information
With high nonlinearity and low noise, LNOI supports quantum light sources, frequency conversion, and entangled photon generation.
RF and Acoustic Devices
LNOI’s piezoelectric properties allow advanced SAW and BAW devices, key to 5G and 6G networks.
Sensors
The material’s optical and acoustic sensitivity makes it suitable for biomedical, industrial, and environmental sensors.

5. Market Outlook of LNOI

The demand for LNOI is expanding quickly. In addition, growth in 5G/6G, cloud computing, and quantum communication drives this trend. Companies and research institutes worldwide are investing in LNOI devices.

As wafer quality improves and costs drop, LNOI will move from labs to large-scale production. The technology is positioned to become a foundation for the next wave of photonic and quantum products.

6. Conclusion of LNOI

Thin-film Lithium Niobate on Insulator (LNOI) offers speed, efficiency, and integration. It powers optical networks, enables compact photonic chips, and supports quantum technologies.

With strong industry momentum and unmatched performance, LNOI is more than a material—it is the platform for the future of photonics.