Flux separation methods for flux-grown single crystals

Abstract

After the growth of crystals an important step is their separation from the flux. Here the temperature of separation, the mechanical robustness and the chemical reactivity of the crystals constitute the basic conditions which have to be respected by the method. In this contribution several different techniques of flux separation at the end of a crystal growth are reviewed. Both processes which operate as long as the flux is in its liquid state and processes which can be applied when the flux has already solidified are discussed. Several rarely used methods will be illustrated in more detail. This contribution is intended as a guideline for crystal growers in basic research laboratories.

Keywords:

• crystal growth
• flux separation method

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Prof. Paul C. Canfield, Dr Kai Grube and Dr Christoph Meingast for initiating and critically reading the manuscript.