TSSG of RbTiOPO4 single crystals from phosphate flux and their characterization

Large-size inclusion-free RbTiOPO 4 (RTP) single crystals have successfully been grown from Rb 6 P 4 O 13 flux with the addition of a small amount of MoO 3 using TSSG technique. The solubility of RTP in the flux composition Rb 6 P 4 O 13 has been determined. Seed crystals were obtained by spontaneous nucleation process. The seed–liquid interface was maintained by the surface tension forces, and the criteria of avoiding the solution inclusion in the initial stages of the growth are discussed. Crystals grown from Rh-incorporated platinum crucibles shift the UV cut-off towards lower wavelength. The effect of coloration and impurities on optical properties were characterized by optical absorption spectra. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction has been carried out to evaluate the lattice parameters of the grown crystals. Average dislocation density was in the range 400–5000/mm 2 . Second harmonic generation (SHG) elements have been fabricated.