Neodymium lanthanum pentaphosphate monocrystals - for miniature laserssresers used in telecommunication optics

摘要

A pentaphosphate monocrystal of type I (monoclinic) of the rare earths is made, esp. using Nd doped with La to obtain the formula NdxLa1-xP5O14; where x = 0-1. The novelty is the use of a mixt. of oxides, esp. Nd2O3 and La2O3, with H3PO4 contg. a little water, the molar ratio oxide/acid being max. 1/160, esp. 1/190. A seed crystal of min. 100 mg of monocrystalline pentaphosphate is added followed by boiling in air in a container. The container is then closed except for a small steam outlet channel, and the mixt. held at 450-700 degrees C., esp. 500-550 degrees C., to permit crystal growth.