GARNET-TYPE SINGLE CRYSTAL AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREFOR

摘要

[Problem] To provide: a garnet-type single crystal that has good quality and transparency as a result of cell growth that causes the cell composition thereof to become partially irregular being controlled; and a production method for the garnet-type single crystal. [Solution] A garnet-type single crystal that is grown by bringing a seed crystal into contact with a molten starting material in a crucible that is arranged within a chamber and rotating the seed crystal while raising the seed crystal, and that is characterized by being represented by the formula (Tb3-xScx)(Sc2-yAly)Al3O12-z (wherein 0.11 ≤ x ≤ 0.14 and 0.17 ≤ y ≤ 0.23). The garnet-type single crystal is grown by filling the crucible with a mixed powder that comprises 20.9-21.2 mol% of terbium oxide, 32.7-33.3 mol% of scandium oxide, and a remainder of aluminum oxide and unavoidable impurities, melting the mixed powder, and supplying nitrogen gas to within the chamber while setting the rotation speed of the seed crystal to 5-20 rpm and the raising speed of the crystal seed to 0.3-0.8 mm/h.