Optical and spectroscopic studies of Ca0.9Nd0.1Ti0.9Al0.1O3 single crystals grown by an optical floating zone technique

Abstract

Single crystals of multifunctional Ca_0.9Nd_0.1Ti_0.9Al_0.1O₃ have been grown in air and also in argon atmosphere using an optical floating zone technique. The phase composition of the grown single crystals was verified by a powder X-ray diffraction technique. The quality of the grown single crystals was ascertained by rocking curves and Laue patterns. Raman spectra showed the disordering in the B cation site due to the valence mismatch between Ti⁴⁺ and Al³⁺. The energy levels of Nd³⁺ in the CaTiO₃ matrix were determined using the absorption and emission spectra. An absorption band at 806 nm and a strong emission band at 1064.48 nm show that the crystals have good laser optical quality for diode-laser pumping.