Flux growth of BaAlBO3F2 crystals

The study focused on optimization of growing conditions of new nonlinear optical crystal BaAlBO3F2 (BABF). Using LiF–B2O3–NaF system as fluxes, inclusion-free BABF single crystal with sizes up to 25×20×16 mm3 had been successfully grown by the middle-seeded solution growth technique. Solubility data of BABF was measured in the range of 746–860 °C. Preparation process of starting materials, flux selection and optimization of other growing parameters were discussed in the paper. The morphology of BABF was also studied.