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Flux method
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Flux method is a method of crystal growth where the components of the desired substance are dissolved in a solvent (flux) and growth takes place at relatively low temperatures. The method is particularly suitable for crystals needing to be free from thermal strain and it takes place in a crucible which almost always is made of platinum. A saturated solution is prepared by keeping the constituents of the desired crystal and the flux at a temperature slightly above the saturation temperature long enough to form a complete solution. Then the crucible is cooled in order to cause the desired crystal to precipitate. Nucleation happens in the cooler part of the crucible. One advantage of this method is that the crystals grown display natural facets so that they can be used for optical experiments without the need for further polishing. A disadvantage is that the crystals are relatively small. The growth can happen by spontaneous nucleation or growth on a seed.