Barium metaborate (BaB 2O 4) exists in two forms the high temperature for m α phase and the low temperature form β phase,with the phase transition poi nt at around 925℃.The low temperature phase (β BBO) is an excellent NLO cryst al for UV region,while the high temperature one (α BBO) is known as a good bir efringent material.α BBO crystal possesses better transparency in the ultravio let region compared with commonly used YVO 4 and CaCO 3 crystals.However,due t o phase transition problem,it is difficult to grow single α BBO crystals by D CZ method,which restricts its wider application.α BBO crystal usually cracks upon cooling resulted from phase transition to β phase.Therefore,it is difficult to grow β BBO single crystals directly from pure BaB 2O 4 mel t;however,to grow single crystals of α BBO is not easy,either. Our recent experiments showed that one could avoid cracking of α BBO cryst als by Sr 2+ doping.This minute amount of Sr 2+ plays the role of structure stabilizer,which inhibits structural reconstruction. In this way,Sr 2+ d op ed BBO single crystals do not subject to phase transition from 925℃ down to roo m temperature. We have mow successfully grown out α BBO single crystals 30mm in diameter by D CZ method from Sr x Ba 1- x BO 4 melt with Sr concentration 0.3 0 .5%.The ratation rate is 10 15r/min,pulling speed is 1 2mm/h.Preliminary tests revealed that its structure and physic chemical properties were almost identic al to those grown from pure melts.These Sr 2+ doped α BBO crystals are no w being widely used in optical isolators.
Once the growth method for a given crystal has been decided,one should be able to adjust a number of growth parameters in order to achieve best results.These parameters include ambient growth atmosphere,temperature gradient of growth furnace,percentage of fill of crucible,rotation and pulling rates.Among them,the most delicate thing we face is to design and create suitable temperature gradient for a given material according to its thermal properties and growth behavior.For YVO 4 crystals,this is particularly important because of its poor conductivity and strong thermo mechanical anisotropy.Optimum temperature gradient for the growth of large YVO 4 crystals should be as large as possible during the growth process,while be as small as possible during the annealing stage to alleviate thermal stress and avoid cleavage.
