Crystal growth of rare-earth-doped ternary potassium lead chloride single crystals by the Bridgman method

Abstract

High optical quality pure and rare-earth-doped ternary-potassium-lead- chloride (KPb2Cl5) single crystals have been grown using the Bridgman technique in a two-zone transparent vertical furnace. Combining the chlorination of the melt, to eliminate oxygen impurities, with a horizontal zone-refining, followed by the Bridgman growth itself using sealed silica ampoules, we successfully grew non-moisture-sensitive crystals of a high optical quality. The moisture content in the raw materials determines the quality of the resulting crystals. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.