Formation of lanthanum beryllate real structure under different crystallization conditions

The aim of this paper is to characterize the major structural defects of lanthanum beryllate single crystals grown by the Czochralski method, including those doped with rare-earth elements, and to reveal their relationship to specific properties of the crystal structure of La2Be2O5 and with their crystallization conditions. As a basic method for research, we used transmission X-ray topography. It was established that the defect state of La2Be2O5 crystals prepared by this method can be caused by different types of dislocations and their ordered assemblies, solid-phase inclusions of crucible metal and eutectically co-crystallizing phases, as well as by face growth sectors with elevated content of dopant. We show a possibility for growing single crystals of doped lanthanum beryllate having a minimum quantity of structural defects that could be suitable for manufacture of high quality laser rods. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.