Growth and optical properties of gray-track-resistant KTiOPO4 single crystals

• Published in: Journal of crystal growth Vol. 412; pp. 67 - 71
• Main Authors: Zhang, Yang, Wang, Hongyan, Ma, Changqin, Jia, Yanwei, Li, Jing, Wang, Jiyang, Boughton, Robert, Jiang, Huaidong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.02.2015
• Subjects: A1. Absorption; A2. Top seeded solution growth; B2. Nonlinear optic materials; B2. Nonlinear optic materials; A1. Absorption; A2. Top seeded solution growth
• ISSN: 0022-0248; 1873-5002
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2014.11.038

We succeeded in growing gray-track-resistant KTP single crystals in a KTP–K6P4O13(K6)–PbO system using TSSG (top-seeded solution growth) and have explored the mechanism of gray track formation using combined characterization technologies. The optical and laser properties of the crystals were estimated. To obtain a better understanding of the gray track effect, in situ X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) measurements using the total electron yield (TEY) method in the region of gray track formation was performed. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used to further confirm the existence of Ti3+. The results indicate that the formation of the gray track is related to Ti3+ centers. •We succeeded in growing gray-track-resistant KTiOPO4 (KTP) single crystals in a KTP–K6P4O13 (K6)–PbO system.•The optical and laser properties of the crystals were estimated.•In situ X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) was performed to study the formation mechanism of gray track for the first time.•Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used to further confirm the existence of Ti3+ and the formation of the gray track is related to Ti3+centers.