Growth of Nd:YVO4 single-crystal plates by the edge-defined, film-fed growth technique

Nd-doped YVO4 single-crystal plates were grown successfully by the edge-defined, film-fed growth (EFG) technique. Crystal size was 2×20 mm in cross-section and up to 20 mm in length. The shape of the crystals was evidently controlled by the shape of die top. Low-angle grain boundaries and inclusions as main defects were found in the grown crystals. The Nd distribution was almost homogeneously uniform along the growth direction and the cross-section. The effective segregation coefficient was estimated to be 0.68. Influence of the growth conditions in EFG-growth on the formation of Nd distribution is discussed.