Development of in-situ differential thermal analysis for crystal growth experiments

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) can give valuable information on melting and freezing of mixtures that are used for flux or solution growth of single crystals for materials research, and increasing the success rate of crystal growth attempts. DTA is especially valuable as a tool for undergraduate research involving crystal growth, as it can quickly give a realistic and easy-to-understand picture at what is happening inside a growth crucible as it is hiding the cooling crystal-growth mixture from view. In the past, we have performed DTA in a dedicated instrument, with small crucibles containing exactly the same composition as the larger growth crucible in the larger growth furnace. Now we are performing in-situ DTA inside the growth furnace and on as-prepared growth samples, for different type growths and furnaces, quickly improving crystal growth performed by undergraduate students with limited time dedicated to lab, and, moreover, on very inexpensive equipment. Here, we will present results of these developments.