Growth of β_II-Li_3VO_4 single crystals by the heater-in-zone zone-melting method using a traveling solvent of LiVO_3

摘要

Low-form (β_II-) Li_3 VO_4 single crystals have successfully been grown by the heater-in-zone zone-melting method using a traveling solvent of LiVO_3. The as-grown crystals are transparent and have no cracks or bubble inclusions. To prevent the crystals from cracking. the temperature of the heater is set to below 700℃. The growth rate must be less than 0. 25mm/h and the crystal rotation rate more than 30 rpm in order to eliminate bubble formation. The formation of low-angle grain boundaries is effectively suppressed by growing the crystals along the [0 0 1] direction. The emission of green light from the as-grown β_II-Li_3 VO_4 single crystal is observed by irradiation with a Nd : YAG laser.