Small ruby crystals were grown by the Czochralski technique in different atmospheres and their actual chromium content was analysed by a wet chemical method. The chromium distribution coefficient k was found to be strongly dependent on oxygen partial pressure p(O2). It ranges from k=0.3 in a reducing atmosphere to k=1.2 in a slightly oxidizing atmosphere and to a good approximation k depends linearly on log(p(O2)). The experimental data are discussed on the basis of thermodynamic equilibrium calculations.
@article{arxiv.1204.6225,
title = {On the effect of oxygen partial pressure on the chromium distribution coefficient in melt-grown ruby crystals},
author = {Steffen Ganschow and Detlef Klimm and Rainer Bertram},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1204.6225},
year = {2012}
}