The Search for Prospective Media for the Application as Active Laser Elements

On the basis of an earlier methodology for assessing the quality of laser materials wellknown chemical compounds are considered and among them emphasis is given to those, the single crystals of which can successfully be used as active media in solid-state lasers. Possible directions of the search for new chemical compounds are shown, the single crystals of which can without doubt be expected to be of interest for quantum electronics.     

The chemical action of oxygen on a heater during growth of refractory oxide crystals from melt

The behavior of the W-O₂ system has been investigated at 2400 K in the pressure range from 1 to 1 × 10^?5 bar. The chemical composition of the solid and vapor phases for the ratio W: O₂ = 1: 1 was calculated by minimizing the Gibbs free energy. It is shown that the only solid phase in the system is metallic tungsten (0.333–0.355 mol), whereas trioxide WO₃ dominates in the vapor phase; its concentration may reach 99%. It is concluded that providing an inert atmosphere in the growth chamber with a pressure of 1 bar decreases the concentration of atomic and molecular oxygen in the vapor phase and decreases its effect on the tungsten heater.     

Growth and properties of Lu3Al5O12-RE3+ single crystals

Optically transparent garnet single crystals were grown from Lu₃Al₅O₁₂ melts containing different RE³⁺ ions. The distribution coefficient of Nd³⁺ ions is found to be a function of the growth rate. Lu₂O₃–Al₂O₃ system studies have been partially carried out. Measurements of the lattice data, absorption spectra and comparison with some properties of Y₃Al₅O₁₂ single crystals have also been made.