Top seeded solution growth and optical properties of a bromic borate crystal: K3B6O10Br

A sizable single crystal with sizes up to 20 mmx 20 mm x 9 mm of K3B6O10Br with high transparency has been grown by top seeded solution method using KF and PbO as the fluxes at the cooling rates of 0.2-0.8 degrees C/day, in the temperature range of 570-610 degrees C. Crystal morphologies and growth habits of K3B6O10Br grown using [101] and [211] direction seeds were studied. The volatility of the crystal growth systems was investigated by TG-DSC, which shows that the volatilization status is sensitive to the crystal growth temperature. The grown crystals were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and transmittance spectrum. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.