Study of single-crystal growth of Tm~(3+): CaYAlO_4 by the floating-zone method

摘要

Single crystals of heavily Tm~(3+) -doped CAYAlO_4 have been grown in various atmospheres by the floaing-zone method for the first time. The optimal growth conditions have been obtained. Three major types of defects observed in the crystals are discussed in detail. The colors of crystals are foundto relate to oxygen point defects. The optical absorption spectrum of crystals shows broad and intense absorption bands in the visible and the near-infrared regions.