Growth of neodymium lanthanum calcium borate (NdLCB) single crystals by the Czochralski method and its characterisation

The synthesis of neodymium lanthanum calcium borate (NdLCB) was carried out using solid state reaction method. The NdLCB single crystals were grown by the Czochralski method using platinum wire as a seed. The single phase of NdLCB is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. EDAX analysis is carried out to find the presence of constituent elements of NdLCB. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to find the lattice parameters and crystal system. Nd concentration in the crystal is determined using ICP-OES measurements. Optical studies such as UV–vis–NIR and photoluminescence were carried out for the NdLCB crystal and the results are analysed. SEM and etching analysis were carried out to analyse the surface morphology and the growth pattern of the as grown NdLCB crystals respectively.

► Rare earth doped lanthanum calcium borate (LCB) can be used as a laser host material.
► The surface morphology of the NdLCB single crystals is presented using SEM images.
► The growth pattern is analysed by etching of the crystal and layer growth pattern is observed.