Thermophysical Properties of Single Crystals of CaF2–SrF2–RF3 (R = Ho, Pr) Fluorite Solid Solutions.

Single crystals of Ca1 – ySryRхF2 +х (R = Ho, Pr) solid solutions with high optical quality have been grown by the Bridgman technique in vacuum using a fluorination atmosphere. The thermal conductivity of the Ca0.60Sr0.40 –хHoхF2 +х solid solutions decreases from 3.27 to 2.37 W/(m K) as the fraction of holmium rises from 0 to 3 mol %, respectively. The room-temperature thermal conductivity of the Ca0.50Sr0.50 –хPrхF2 +х solid solutions decreases from 3.38 to 2.18 W/(m K) as the fraction of praseodymium rises from 0 to 8 mol %, respectively. Increasing the holmium and praseodymium content of the ternary solid solutions leads to a gradual increase in their refractive index. With increasing wavelength, the refractive index gradually decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]