Abstract Method of growing single crystal of Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 by a top-seeded growth technique. A solution of TiO 2 is a solvent consisting of Bi 2 O 3 with/without B 2 O 3 is prepared. The temperature of the solution is adjusted to a value which is not more than 5°C above the saturation temperature of the solution, and is maintained at this value while the degree of saturation of the solution is increased by dissolving TiO 2 . A Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 seed crystal is then lowered into the solution which is gradually cooled so as to grow a single crystal. The transparency of crystals grown from a solution containing B 2 O 3 in addition to Bi 2 O 3 is better than that of crystals grown from solutions in which the solvent consists solely of Bi 2 O 3 .
A method of growing a single crystal of Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 , said method comprising, preparing a solution of TiO 2 in Bi 2 O 3 , adjusting the temperature of the solution to a temperature of about 5°C above the saturation temperature of the solution, maintaining the solution at said temperature while immersing polycrystalline TiO 2 into said solution until the solution contains a saturating amount of TiO 2 , removing the undissolved polycrystalline TiO 2 from the solution, immersing a Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 seed crystal into said solution maintained at said temperature and then slowly cooling said solution thereby to cause growth of a single crystal of Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 .
Claim 2
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of growing a single crystal of Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 , said method comprising, preparing a solution of TiO 2 in Bi 2 O 3 , adjusting the temperature of the solution to a temperature of about 5°C above the saturation temperature of the solution, maintaining the solution at said temperature while immersing polycrystalline TiO 2 into said solution until the solution contains a saturating amount of TiO 2 , removing the undissolved polycrystalline TiO 2 from the solution, immersing a Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 seed crystal into said solution maintained at said temperature and then slowly cooling said solution thereby to cause growth of a single crystal of Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 .
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a solution of TiO 2 in Bi 2 O 3 and B 2 O 3 is prepared.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the solution consists of a solution of TiO 2 in a mixture of Bi 2 O 3 and B 2 O 3 , which solution consists of 12 mole % TiO 2 , from 78 to 44 mole % Bi 2 O 3 and from 10 to 44 mole % B 2 O 3 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solution consists of a solution of TiO 2 in Bi 2 O 3 containing from 12 to 17 mole % TiO 2 .
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crystal is grown in air.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the solution is saturated with TiO 2 before the seed crystal is lowered into the solution.