Growth of BPO4 Crystals in Low Temperature Gradients.

The method of synthesis of a monophase boron phosphate (BPO4) powder has been refined. Single crystals of BPO4 free from solvent inclusions and cracks have been obtained by the top‐seeded solution growth technique with the seed orientation [010]. The growth is carried out under conditions of a low axial temperature gradient in the melt‐solution, which is varied in the range of 1–4°C cm−1. The value of the temperature gradient that promotes the growth of defective crystals is determined. The absorption spectra and optical homogeneity of crystals are studied. The chemical composition of polycrystalline BPO4 is studied using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The purity of the synthesized powder is better than 4 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]