Interface modification and bonding of lithium tantalate crystals Available to Purchase

Intermolecular interactions defined by surface free energy of solids are a critical factor affecting adhesion and bonding of the materials. An experimental technique for surface free energy and related properties (wettability and adhesion) modification has been developed and applied to lithium tantalate ferroelectric crystals. The method is based on combination of ultraviolet illumination and low-energy electron irradiation. These two techniques provide controllable wettability tailoring in a wide range of contact angles of 6°–87°. Fabrication of various wetting configurations of contacted and bonded lithium tantalate (LT) pair plates, such as hydrophilic/hydrophilic, hydrophilic/hydrophobic, and hydrophobic/hydrophobic, allows us to demonstrate direct bonding for modified hydrophilic polar LT faces.