Growth of strontium sulphate single crystals by chemically reacted flux method and their dislocation configuration

Abstract

Single crystals of strontium sulphate have been grown by chemically reacted flux method using a stoichiometric mixture of analytical grade SrCl₂ and Na₂SO₄. The chemical reaction takes place according to the following equation: SrCl₂+Na₂SO₄→ SrSO₄+2NaCl The crystals grown by this method are about 6 mm long and 2 mm broad. They are identified to be single crystals by X-ray analysis. Studies made on cleavage and etching of these crystals have also shown that they are perfect single crystals. The structure of dislocations has been studied by comparing etch patterns on matched pairs as well as on the two sides of a thin flake 340μm thick. It is observed that the dislocation lines are generally inclined at different angles and the inclinations of these lines have been calculated. The implications are discussed.