Crystal growth and optical absorption of pure and Ti, Mn-doped MgAl2O4 spinel

Rod-shaped pure and Ti, Mn-doped MgAl2O4 single crystals, suitable for laser applications, were grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method in a reducing Ar atmosphere. The crystals were seeded-grown in the 〈1 0 0〉 direction and ranging up to 10 cm in length and 3 mm in diameter. The crystallinity was studied using X-ray rocking curve analysis. Optical absorption measurements in the UV/Vis spectral regions were performed before and after annealing.