Journal of Crystal Growth, Vol.218, No.2-4, 282-286, 2000
Float zone growth and characterization of Pr-9.33(SiO4)(6)O-2 and Sm-9.33(SiO4)(6)O-2 single crystals with an apatite structure
Single crystals of apatite-type praseodymium silicate (Pr-9.33(SiO4)(6)O-2) and samarium silicate (Sm-9.33(SiO4)(6)O-2) with high oxide ionic conductivity have been grown by the floating zone method. The as-grown crystals of Pr-9.33(SiO4)(6)O-2 and Sm-9.33(SiO4)(6)O-2 are green and orange, respectively, and both crystals are transparent. The crystals do not contain inclusions, low-angle grain boundaries or twin structures but the samarium silicate crystals contain a few cracks perpendicular to the c-axis whereas the praseodymium silicate crystals are crack-free. Microcracks are also introduced in the samarium silicate crystals during the cutting and polishing processes. The oxide ionic conductivities of these crystals are comparable to that of neodymium silicate with the same structure.
Keywords:praseodymium silicate;samarium silicate;apatite structure;floating zone method;oxide ionic conductivity