Flux growth and characterization of rare-earth-doped non-linear huntite-type borate crystals: Y1-xNdx(Al0.7Ga0.3)3(Bo3)4 and Y1-xYbxAl3(Bo3)4

Abstract

Single crystals of non-linear Huntite-type borates, with good optical quality, have been grown by slow cooling from fluxes based on the K₂O-MoO₃ system. Crystals corresponding to the general formula Y_1-xNd_X(Al_0.7Ga_0.3)₃(BO₃)₄(x = 0.05 and 0.15) were obtained with a relatively small size (3 × 3 × 3 mm³) whereas those with composition Y_1-xYb_xAl₃(BO₃)₄(x=0.005, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) were, for the first time, prepared with a large size (7 × 7 × 5 mm³). Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was used to explore the best conditions of growth. The dependence of crystals and solvent stability are discussed. Crystal composition was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and electron microprobe analysis. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was also used to characterize the oxidation state of molybdenum impurities and their localization in the Huntite-type crystal structure.