Growth and characterisation of KNbO2 single crystals

Abstract

The growth of good quality colourless potassium niobate (KNbO₃) single crystals is reported. Various flux compositions with corresponding starting temperatures were chosen from the phase diagram to avoid the black/blue colour formation in growth of KNbO₃ single crystals. Deviation of compositions of colourless and black crystals from the starting composition were analysed by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. Dielectric constant and pyroelectric coefficients were calculated with respect to temperature and the transition temperature was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry studies. Hysteresis loops have been traced with respect to electric field.