Growth and characterization of KY(WO4)2 crystals

Single-crystal growth of KY(WO4)2 (KYW) by top-seeded solution growth technique has been investigated. The effects of seed orientation, temperature gradient experienced by the growing crystal and rate of crystallization on crystal quality are reported. The best results are obtained when the growth is seeded along the 〈0 1 0〉 direction. Minute deviations from this growth direction are found to be detrimental to crystal perfection. The differential thermal analysis shows that the amount of super-cooling required for dissolution and crystallization of KYW in the flux is only ∼5° and this promotes an easy formation of tiny crystallites in the solution. Consequently, the crystal rotation and the solution cooling rates are found to have pronounced effects on the growth of KYW crystal.