Large size LaF3:Eu:Ca crystal grown by Bridgman–Stockbarger method

Abstract: Large size lanthanum trifluoride (LaF3) single crystals doped with Eu2+ and Ca2+ have been grown by the Bridgman–Stockbarger method. Fluoridization of raw materials was carried out by heating commercial reagent LaF3 at above 1000 °C for 10 h with a flow of HF gas in a resistance furnace. Due to lack of EuF2, EuF3 was reduced with Si in vacuum or nitrogen atmosphere at about 900 °C for 2 h. Cracking was considerably reduced by optimizing the growth conditions, such as a small growth rate of 2–3 mm/h and a [001]-oriented seed. LaF3 single crystal up to 50 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length was obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]