Optical and scanning electron microscopic and energy-dispersive X-ray analytical studies on some typical surface structures of flux-grown DyFeO3 crystals

The results of optical, scanning electron microscope and qualitative analysis studies conducted on surface structures displayed by flux-grown DyFeO3 crystals are reported. The crystals were grown from PbO-PbF2-B203 flux under various conditions. Magnetoplumbite (PbO o 6Fe203) is the most favoured secondary phase. Crystallization of DyOF and DyBO 3 on the DyFeO 3 crystal surfaces also takes place, almost at the end of DyFeO3 crystal growth. Macro- and micro-disc patterns on DyFeO3 and a rare observation of an elliptical disc of material contain- ing lead are illustrated. Metallic platinum deposited on flux-grown DyFeO3 is reported when the crystals were finally cooled in contact with the flux. Additional secondary phases (material containing lead, platinum, PbO o 6Fe203, DyBO3) and other imperfections (inclusions, cavities, microcrystals) also occur. The addition of V205 to the flux leads to incorporation of traces of vanadium in the DyFeO 3 crystals and DyVO4 as a secondary phase.