Effects of Anions on the Growth Habit of KDP Crystals

The synthesis process of KDP material was analyzed and phosphite was found existing in the growth solution. In the crystal growth experiments, significant extension was observed at low dopant concentration, but at higher concentration, the growth rate of the whole crystal decreased with no significant change of the habit. The inhibiting effects of phosphite and other anionic ions on the growth of pyramidal face was discussed. Rapid growth experiments was carried out with purified material and an averaged growth rate of 13.7mm/day was obtained. It was proposed that the purity of the materials is the key factor for rapid growth of KDP crystals.