Simulation and experiment on laser-heated pedestal growth of chromium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet single-crystal fiber

The laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) of chromium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Cr:YAG) single-crystal fibers in 〈111〉 direction was investigated via a two-dimensional (2D) simulation which is verified by experimental observations on the interface shapes. Radial dopant profiles at the growth front in simulations were consistent with that of the grown crystal fibers in ex-situ measurements. The concentration level and distribution compared to the corresponding fluid flow and heat transfer were reported to visualize the phenomena that cannot be observed easily. It is viable to adjust the shape of air/melt interface, the distribution of mass flow rate, and especially the shape of growth front for acquiring a desirable radial dopant profile.