The Laser-Heated Pedestal Growth Method: A Powerful Tool in the Search for New High Performance Laser Crystals

Abstract

Various predictive methodologies can be used to help identify new materials for improved or advanced laser device applications. The predictions, however, are of questionable reliability and therefore have to be verified by 1) synthesizing the compounds thought to be most promising, 2) preparing them in the form of high quality single crystals, and 3) measuring their properties. The route from the prediction stage to the point where a device-quality crystal with appropriate performance characteristics can be identified is a long and tortuous one, which the crystal growth phase being the most expensive and lengthy part. The difficulty, cost and years of development time required to produce these crystals has definitely hindered the development of many important devices and systems requiring high performance crystals.