Growth and evaluation of lanthanoids orthoniobates single crystals processed by a miniature pedestal growth technique

Optimized conditions for the growth of lanthanoids orthoniobates (LnNbO4, Ln = lanthanide elements) single crystal minirods by a floating zone technique were investigated. Adequate atmospheres and pulling to feeding speed ratios to grow these materials were determined. Emphasis is given to the study of LaNbO4 because of their more favorable growth conditions and crystalline quality. This material can be efficiently doped with rare earth elements such as erbium. It grows with high crystallinity and its preferential growth direction is [1 1 0]. A preliminary evaluation of optical properties of Er3+‐doped LaNbO4 single crystal under the Judd‐Ofelt formalism indicates spectral parameters Ωt close and even larger than for Er3+ ions in YVO4. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)