Shaped Crystals

This volume presents an overview of the growth of shaped crystals (oxides, fluorides, etc.) by the micro-pulling-down technique. Both melt and solution (flux) growth are considered. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed in detail and compared with related crystal-growth processes. The authors attempt to give a practical introduction to this technique, thereby also explaining how its application can help to solve problems commonly encountered in other melt-growth methods. Currently the micro-pulling-down technique is applicable to the growth of crystals up to 1 m long with cross-section ranging from 0.05 to 10 mm. This book represents a valuable resource for researchers, industrial engineers, teachers, and students involved in materials science, crystal growth, physics, chemistry, optics and electronics.This volume offers an overview of the growth of shaped crystals (oxides, fluorides, etc.) by the micro-pulling-down technique. Both melt and solution (flux) growth are considered. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed in detail and compared with related crystal-growth processes. The authors attempt to give a practical introduction to this technique, thereby also explaining how its application can help to solve problems commonly encountered in other melt-growth methods.