New flux systems for the LPE growth of thin garnet films

A new flux system is presented for the growth of bismuth substituted iron garnet thin films by liquid phase epitaxy. The fluxes do not contain lead and are based on the system Bi₂O₃, RO₂ where R = Si, Ge, Ti or Ce. Data is presented that shows the viscosities of these melts are below 16 cp at temperatures ∽800°C when the eutectic compositions are chosen and that they have low freezing points. The growth conditions and melt compositions are given for the growth of various rare-earth iron garnets with high bismuth substitutions. Results of measurements of optical and magnetic properties of some of the from Pb containing fluxes. Thus these materials are more promising for use in magnetic bubble displays. It is also shown that the uniaxial anisotropy was also less in the films grown from the new system than those grown from Pb containing fluxes.