Top-seeded flux growth of LiNdP4O12 single crystals

LiNdP4O12 single crystals were grown by top-seeded pulling technique using LiPO3 as flux. Using a compact pulling apparatus, growth conditions for preparing large and high quality LiNdP4O12 single crystals were examined. Among the three crystallographic principal axes, the [001]-axis was most favorable as the pulling direction. It was found that the flat growing solid-liquid interface of the (001) endface was important for growing crystals free from inclusions. Optically transparent crystals up to 20 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length were obtained. Crystal quality was investigated by polarizing microscopy, X-ray topography and etching. These studies showed that the crystallographic and optical qualities of the pulled crystals were excellent.