Growth, morphology and characterization of Yb:YVO4 crystal

An Yb:YVO4 single crysal with good optical quality and large size has been grown by the Czochralski method. We have discussed the growth shape of Yb:YVO4 single crystal which is composed of {100} and {101} simple forms. The data of thermal expansion and specific heat of the crystal have been measured. The thermal expansion coefficients along a- and c-axis directions art: alpha(1) = 1.5 x 10(-6)/K and alpha(3) = 8.2 x 10(-6)/K, respectively. The specific heat is 30.4 cal/mol K at 320 K. The absorption and fluorescence spectra have been measured.