CRYSTAL GROWTH OF LITHIUM TRIBORATE FROM Li₂O-B₂O₃ SOLUTION. H.G. Kim, J. K. Kang, S.J. Chung, Dept. of Inorganic Materials Engineering, Seoul National Univ., Seoul 151-742, Korea

The non-linear optical characteristics of lithium triborate (abbreviated to LBO) are superior to those of KTP, BBO etc., especially in THG, OPO fields. But, the high viscosity of solution makes serious problems in crystal growth. In this study, LBO single crystals were grown from Li₂O-B₂O₃ solutions. And the effects of seed orientations on crystal quality and morphology were investigated. The morphology of grown crystals was usually formed with large {110} faces and small {011} , {111} faces.

The morphology of crystals grown from seeds parallel to <100>, <001> direction were symmetrical. But, the seeds perpendicular to (110), (011) faces made the crystal morphology asymmetrical along growth axis.

Second phase was detected in some crystals grown under inadequate condition by x-ray powder diffraction, The composition of inclusion was determined as Li₃B₇O₁₂ by heat treatment of 3Li₂O.7B₂O₃ and 2Li₂O.5B₂O₃ glasses.

For the determination of crystal defects, x-ray topographic observations were carried out. The non-linear optical properties for SHG, THG and OPO applications of grown crystals were measured.