Method for growing thin epitaxial layers of a non-linear, optically active material

Abstract

Thin film epitaxial layers of mixed oxide compounds, or of solid solutions of two mixed oxides, are deposited on a suitable single crystal substrate. Growth is achieved by introducing the substrate into a crucible containing a saturated solution of the oxide(s) in a molten alkali metal halide having additional undissolved oxide(s) present in the crucible. Evaporation of the alkali metal halide solvent produces and/or maintains the supersaturated condition, which is relieved by epitaxial deposition of the oxide(s) onto the substrate. When two mixed oxides are dissolved in the solvent, the composition of the film is determined and fixed by the temperature of growth. To produce a thin film of a constant composition, growth is conducted isothermally. To produce a thin film with a graded composition throughout its thickness, growth is conducted by slowly cooling the temperature of the solution. Excess, undissolved oxide is kept in a region of the crucible such that the undissolved oxide is several degrees hotter than the liquid in contact with the substrate. This condition results in additional oxide dissolving in the solvent as elsewhere the oxide is being deposited onto the substrate. This method of epitaxial growth provides good control of both the film composition and the film thickness.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.