Fabrication of β-BaB2O4 layers on (0 0 1) Sr2+-doped α-BaB2O4 by vapor transport equilibration (VTE)

Crystalline β-BBO layers have been successfully prepared on (0 0 1)-oriented Sr2+-doped α-BBO substrates using vapor transport equilibration technique. The layers were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray rocking curve and transmission spectra. The present results manifest that the VTE treatment time and powder ratio are important factors on the preparation of β-BBO layers. β-BBO layers with a highly (0 0 l) preferred orientation were obtained according to XRD profiles. The full width at half-maximum of the rocking curve for the layer is as low as about 1000 in., which shows the high crystallinity of the layer. These results reveal the possibility of fabricating β-BBO (0 0 1) layers on (0 0 1)-oriented Sr2+-doped α-BBO substrates by VTE.