Single crystal growth process especially for a cerium substituted yttrium-iron garnet single crystal for optical applications

摘要

Single crystal growth employs a low oxygen content atmosphere during melt contact and movement of a seed crystal. A single crystal growth process employs an atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of less than 10 (preferably less than 1) vol. % during melt contact and movement of a seed crystal. Preferred Features: The single crystal is a cerium-containing magnetic garnet of formula R3-xCexFe5-yMyO12, where R = one or more elements of atomic number 39 or 59-71, M = Ga or Al, x = 0.3 to 3 and y = 0 to 2.