4. Powder and Thin Film Synthesis

Ceramic powders are synthesized using chemical solution methods, such as organic acid salt, precipitant generation, alkaline hydrolysis, and alkoxide hydrolysis. The powder synthesis by precipitation and hydrolysis and the synthesis of monodispersed particles are described. The formation of complex alkoxide of lithium niobate (LN) precursor is confirmed by ⁹³Nb nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Stoichiometric LN films are synthesized on various substrates via chemical solution route. The synthesis of the designed precursor in solution is a key for the low-temperature crystallization of high-quality LN films with preferred orientation. Several functional ceramic thin films of multicomponent oxides are also synthesized using chemical solution process.