Secondary Phase CeO2 Precipitates in Ce,Er-Doped Na0.5La0.5MoO4 Single Crystals Grown by Czochralski Method

Analytical scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the microstructure of Ce,Er-doped Na0.5La0.5MoO4 laser crystals. Crystals grown by Czochralski method from melts with a nominal composition Na0.5La0.5−xCexEr0.005MoO4, where x = 0.125 0.15, then annealed at 700 1000 °C in oxidizing atmosphere. We found secondary phase precipitation Ce2O3 oxide as-grown crystals, while after high-temperature annealing CeO2 precipitated crystals are always observed. Impurity ions Ce3+ occupy La sites, approximately 20% Ce content is involved formation precipitates. The length ranged between 100 nm 550 (average was 200 nm) their width 30–70 nm. mechanism discussed. orientation relationships Na0.5La0.5−xCexEr0.005MoO4/CeO2, degree coherence interface, preferential directions growth matrix established. cause light scattering wavelength comparable size precipitates lead deterioration optical transparency material.