Growth of lead molybdate crystals by vertical Bridgman method

The growth of PbMoO4 crystals by the modified Bridgman method has been reported in this paper. The feed material with strict stoichiometric composition is desirable for the Bridgman growth of the crystals. The continuous composition change of the melts during growth can be avoided because the volatilization of melts is limited by sealed platinum crucibles. By means of the optimum growth parameters such as the growth rate of < 1.2 mm/h and the temperature gradient of 20 similar to 40 degrees C/cm across the solid-liquid interface under the furnace temperature of 1140 similar to 1200 degrees C, large size crystals with high optical uniformity were grown successfully. The distribution of Pb and Mo concentration along the growth axis was measured by X-ray fluorescence analysis. The single crystallinity of the grown sample was evaluated by the double-crystal X-ray rocking curve. The transmission spectra were measured in the range of 300-800 nm at room temperature.