Growing Crystal

These images of a crystal of Nd₃Ga₅TiO₁₄ being formed in the MagLab's image furnace were taken by a camera that is built into that furnace, allowing the crystal grower to monitor the growth.

The top polycrystalline rod of Nd₃Ga₅TiO₁₄ slowly descends,
while rotating, toward an identical rod positioned below it.

The intense heat begins to melt the top
rod, which begins to melt onto the lower rod.

A single crystal of Nd₃Ga₅TiO₁₄ begins
to form atop the lower polycrystalline rod.

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