Stabilization of beta-BaB2O4 in the system BaB2O4-Na2O-Nd2O3

In this paper, the concentration regions and crystallization temperatures o f alpha- and beta-BaB2O4 in the system BaB2O4-Na2O-Nd2O3 are determined. A stabilizing effect of the beta-BBO phase in the presence of Nd2O3 is detect ed. Several physical properties of the solutions important for the crystal growth processes are measured and the results discussed. beta-BBO : Nd3+ si ngle crystals are grown and the Nd3+ concentration in the crystals are obta ined. Finally, the Nd3+ absorption bands at room temperature in the region of 12 000-20 000 cm(-1) are determined. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.