Growth, defects, and properties of GdCa_4O(BO_3)_3 and Nd:GdCa_4O(BO_3)_3 crystals

摘要

Pure and neodymium-doped gadolinium calcium oxoborate crystals of high quality were grown by the Czochralski method. The orientation of orientation of crystal was precisely determined, and the samples for measurements were prepared. Through synchrotron x-ray topography and high-resolution x-ray diffractometry, the twin structure was discovered. Some properties such as the figure of merit value, and dielectric, piezoelectric, and elastic constants were measured along with a discussion of the anisotropy of the laser properties.