Barium sodium niobate single crystal fiber growth by the micro-pulling down (μ-PD) technique

Growth of single crystal fibers from the congruently melting composition of barium sodium niobate Ba2.065Na0.81Nb5.01O15 melt using a micro-pulling-down system has been demonstrated. This method avoids some problems associated with conventional melt techniques such as the Czochralski method. Neither cracks nor any other kind of inhomogeneity could be detected in the crystals, which are therefore suitable for nonlinear optical applications. Results of coupled differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the melting point of the starting mixture was 1453°C. No phase transitions other than melting and solidification were detected.