Synthesis, characterization, and applications of shaped single crystals

In this paper we shall review techniques for the growth of single crystal, mostly of insulating material, which are shaped during the growth process. In particular, we shall focus on the growth of single-crystal fibers of opt ically activated materials; the emphasis will be placed on the so-called La ser Heated Pedestal Growth (LHPG) method of pulling crystalline fibers. LHP G offers a number of logistical advantages which can be exploited as a tool for materials research. Progress in the synthesis of materials using LHPG is described, as are spectroscopic techniques which are employed in charact erizing the optical and physical properties of the crystal fibers obtained by this method. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7834(99)0040 5-0].