Journal of Crystal Growth, Vol.311, No.3, 518-521, 2009
Growth of shaped 12CaO x 7Al(2)O(3) crystals by the micro-pulling down method
12CaO x 7Al(2)O(3) (C12A7) single crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling down method for the first time. Single and transparent C12A7 crystal was obtained with radio-frequency heating mu-PD system. Phase stability is discussed as a function of oxygen concentration in the growth atmosphere. A minimum 1.0 Vol% O-2 with nitrogen atmosphere yields C12A7 phase. The distribution of Ca, Al and O elements at cross-section part was investigated by the electron probe microanalysis. The crystal composition deviation could be controlled by reducing O-2 gas concentration to 1.0 Vol%. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.