Top seeded solution growth of KTiOPO4 (KTP) single crystals and their characterisation

Single crystals of the nonlinear optical material KTiOPO4 have been grown f rom K6P4O13 flux with a small addition of MoO3 using the TSSG technique out of a three zone furnace. Clear and transparent crystals measuring up to 3 x 2 x 2 cm(3) were obtained at cooling rates of 1-3 degrees C day(-1) in 2- 3 weeks time. Initial surface dissolution appears necessary to achieve flaw -free growth immediately off a seed. Seed orientation [001] exhibited a sma ller capping region. Circular growth steps observed on the faces were studi ed using AFM. The lattice parameters were measured using W-ray powder diffr action analysis. Defects in the grown crystals were observed using SEM. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.