Journal of Crystal Growth, Vol.231, No.1-2, 143-147, 2001
Growth and characterization of LiSrGaF6 single crystal
The growth of undoped and Ce-doped LiSrGaF6 (LiSGF) single crystals was carried out in a Czochralski system under CF4 atmosphere. LiSGF and Ce-doped LiSrGaF6 (Ce: LiSGF) single crystals of 1 in diameter were obtained and characterized. The reasons for the limited size of crack-free crystals were investigated. The distribution coefficient of Cc was determined to be 0.22. Absorption and fluoresence under excitation by the fourth harmonic of Nd: YAG laser were measured and compared with those of other colquiriite- type fluorides such as LiCaAlF6 and LiSrAlF6. The absorption edge of LiSGF was determined to be 128 nm, making it a good candidate as an optical window material.
Keywords:distribution coefficient;optical properties;thermal expansion;Czochralski method;growth from melt;lithium compounds