Growth of Optical Crystals by the Micro-Pulling-Down Method

The micro-pulling-down technique is a crystal growth method that has been mostly developed since 1992. The general scheme of the growth system is relatively simple: the melt (oxide, fluoride, metal) residing in a crucible is transported in downward through microcapillary channel(s) made in the bottom of the crucible. Two driving forces (capillary action and gravity) support the delivery of the melt to the liquid/solid growth interface formed under the crucible due to a properly established temperature gradient. Appropriate configuration of the crucible bottom allows for controlling of the crystal shape (fibers, rods, tubes, plates) and the dimensions of the crystals' cross sections that range approximately from 0.1 to 10 mm. A great number of scientifically and industrially important optical crystal fibers have been successfully produced using this method.