Synthesis and optical characterization of Gd-neso-borate single crystals

Single crystals of Ca4GdO[BO3]3 and Sr3Gd2[BO3]4 were synthesized using the Czochralski method, both in different crystallographic directions. Best result were obtained for 010 orientated seeds and growth rates of 1 mmh−1. The morphology of the as-grown crystals reflects the symmetry and for Ca4GdO[BO3]3-crystals a typical rhombohedral and for Sr3Gd2[BO3]4-crystals almost circular cross section are formed. UV–VIS and IR measurements show a wide range of transmission of light. Between 350–1100 and 1600–2500 nm no absorption was observed. Below 350 nm the crystals show distinct absorption peaks caused by electron transitions of Gd. In the IR region most vibration modes can be assigned to [BO3]3−-groups and Gd/Ca-O or Gd/Sr-O-polyhedra.