Growth of LiNbO3 crystals by the Bridgman method

The growth of LiNbO3 crystals by the modified Bridgman method has been reported. The feed material with accurate congruent melt composition is suitable to grow the crystals. Composition change of the melt during growth can be avoided by sealing platinum crucibles. Using the optimum conditions such as growth rate of 1–3 mm/h and temperature gradient around 30°C/cm across the solid–liquid interface, the congruent LiNbO3 crystals without macro-defects have been grown successfully. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]