NdP₅o₁₄ Laser Crystal Growth by Liquid Phase Reaction

Abstract

NdP₅, o₁₄ crystals were grown by liquid phase reaction in phosphoric acid. Facters affecting the growth process were temperature (400-600°C), starting material composition (Nd₂o₃ 16 g in H₃PO₄ 500ml), and reaction container cover weight (0-33g for 6.6 cm internal diameter of container).
The rate of crystal production increased with increasing temperature, increasing Nd concent-ration, and decreasing cover weight. To obtain a transparent crystal with smooth surfaces, growth temperature should be high, Nd concentration low, and the cover heavy. Fluorescence decay time of 1.051μ m wavelength was 110±10 asec for crystals grown at temperatures higher than 500°C.