Growth of rare earth aluminate crystals from molten solutions

Single crystals of rare earth aluminates REA10 3 (RE  Ce, Pr and Tb) were obtained by a solution growth method. The solute was prepared by a sintering method in a graphite crucible and the crystal growth was performed using KF or PbF 2 as a flux. All processes were carried out under an He atmosphere in order to control the RE valency to RE 3+ . Tetragonal-type single crystals of CeAlO 3 , which are large enough for studies of crystal structures and physical properties, were successfully obtained. The Laue symmetry P4/ mmm was confirmed by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction using a precession camera and a diffractometer. The lattice parameters are a = 3.7669(9) A and c = 3.7967(7) A. The temperature dependence of the magnetization basically indicates the paramagnetic state. REA1O 3 with RE  Pr and Tb were studied by X-ray powder diffraction and found to belong to the rhombohedral system.