Growth Optimization of Li2B4O7Crystals and Their Characterization

Lithium tetraborate (Li 2 B 4 O 7 ) crystals were grown by the Czochralski technique. The thermal gradient is the key factor to grow crack-free crystals. We have optimized the vertical thermal gradient for the growth of crack-free and optical quality crystals. This crystals belongs to the tetragonal system with lattice parameters a = b = 9.479 Å, and c = 10.286 Å. The grown crystals were 20–30 mm in diameter and 20–25 mm in length. Transmission spectra of as-grown crystals show good optical transparency. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) was done to confirm the phase of the grown crystals. Crystalline perfection of the as-grown crystals was investigated using the high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) technique.