Participants: URV (Sub-coordinator), CSIC, FEE, IF-PAN, MBI
Objectives:
The main objectives of WP1 are (i) to find the optimum growth methods and conditions for reproducible and high-quality growth of the double tungstate crystals (undoped, doped, co-doped and stoichiometric) and (ii) the structural, optical, spectroscopic and magnetic characterization of the grown samples. This assessment is to provide important knowledge about application-relevant parameters of known double tungstates and new information on materials and structures grown for the first time. The latter includes novel active laser media/novel laser channels, and novel laser mechanisms like self-frequency-doubling or co-operative amplification. Finally, the development of superior processing technology (orientation, cutting, polishing, coating etc.) is an additional objective of primary importance for the interaction with Workpackage 3.
Description of work:
Monoclinic and disordered inert hosts, doped, co-doped and stoichiometric self-activated double tungstates will be grown by TSSG, HTSG and Czochralski methods in parallel at URV, CSIC, FEE, and to a lesser extend at IF-PAN. At FEE, also the growth of Yb-doped double tungstates on inert hosts in segment form will be attempted in order to directly obtain monolithic composites. Inspection of the melting properties, chemical analysis, sample preparation, thermo-mechanical studies, and surface roughness is planned. The structural characterization at URV, CSIC and IF-PAN will include phase assessment, occupation factors of the cations in the disordered structures, studies of growth domain and mosaic structures, conoscopic measurements. Dispersive properties of bulk materials will be assessed at URV and CSIC and Kerr-type nonlinearity at MBI. The spectroscopic studies at URV, CSIC and IF-PAN will be extended to low temperature. IF-PAN will perform also special spectroscopy like EPR etc. and will deal with co-operative effects and their application potential. MBI will assess the scintillation potential.