Growth and optical activity of strontium tantalum gallium silicon oxide (Sr3TaGa3Si2O14, STGS)

Abstract

Single crystals of strontium tantalum gallium silicon oxide were grown with high perfection along the Cartesian Y-axis [12.0] by conventional Czochralski melt pulling technique. The crystals grew with an atomically smooth phase boundary as confirmed by straight growth striations along the entire length of the crystal. The optical transmission in the c-(Z)direction (optical axis) was determined as a function of the wavelength f(λ) between 350 nm and 850 nm. From the extrema of the periodic optical transmission curve between crossed polarisers a specific rotation of 175°/mm at a wavelength of 300 nm was obtained. This values is lower than that of SNGS with 230°/mm.