Growth and characterization of low temperature phase barium metaborate crystals

We report here experiments carried out in our laboratory in the growth of β-BaB2O4 crystals. Using the Na2O·BaB2O4−BaB2 O4 system, single crystal boules of up to 15 mm × 60 mm diameter have been grown. We have obtained quantitative agreement between experimental crystal yields and published phase diagrams. Optical characterization measurements of our crystals are in excellent agreement with literature values. Microscopic characterization of the inclusions found in the crystal boule is presented. The applicability of the Na2O flux in the growth of β-BaB2O4 is also discussed.