SrLaAlO4 (SLA) crystals of various colors grown by the Czochralski tec
hnique were investigated by X-ray diffraction, EPMA, ESR and optical m
ethods. It has been found that various colors of SLA crystals, are cau
sed by the axial thermal gradient. The colors correspond to color-cent
er-type defects and are related to oxygen point defects. Crystals with
low concentrations of imperfections were grown at low temperature gra
dients using an active afterheater.