Ag ions were implanted in LiNbO3at energies of 25 keV and 3 MeV. Optical absorption spectra were measured in the visible range. A large absorption peak due to small colloidal Ag metal was observed at 460 and 510 nm for the as‐implanted sample at 3 MeV and 25 keV, respectively. Subsequently, the samples were heated in air up to 600 °C. The absorption peak moved toward longer wavelengths up to 560 nm when the sample was heated at high temperature. Small droplets of metallic Ag expelled from the implanted layer formed on the surface of the sample even when the samples were held at room temperature. The number and size of the droplets grew with time and their growth was accelerated when the samples were heated at high temperature. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.