The Laboratory of New Materials of Quantum Electronics and Integral Optics of the Pedagogical University has grown the first synthetic crystal which is a novelty in the history of the
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University.
This is a nonlinear optical lithium iodate crystal grown in six months by the hydrothermal synthesis (also termed "hydrothermal method").
The length of the artificial crystal is 80 centimeters. The crystal will be applied in laser beam frequency conversion device.
“Laboratory-grown artificial crystals with the same chemical composition are never alike,” says Edvard Kokanyan, Head of the Laboratory of New Materials of Quantum Electronics and Integral Optics.
The reason is that in the growing process the internal and external conditions, mixtures and quantities are constantly changed in order to improve the physical properties of a crystal, reveal its new characteristics and qualities.
“The growth of artificial crystals does not pursue profit. The newly-created crystal will not be added to the list of precious stones: it was created in the result of scientific research and is of higher value,” added Mr. Kokanyan.
Speaking about the expected results, he said, “The initiative gave the desired result. The characteristics of the crystal are consistent with our predictions. During our further research we shall try to produce more artificial crystals and find new applications for them.”
MA degree students of the Faculty of Physics and Technologies, who participated in the crystal growing, were delighted with the results. For them it was also a brilliant opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practice.
The Laboratory of New Materials of Quantum Electronics and Integral Optics, which is equipped with two crystal growing devices, will continue growing and processing synthetic crystals in the near future.
