Growth of Halide Scintillators with a Modified Heat Exchange Method

Abstract
To test the potential of the heat exchange method for growing scintillator crystals, ingots of mono-, bi- and trivalent halides were prepared. Except for monovalent halides, the removal of oxygen compounds is indispensable. In the case of CaF2 and BaF2, the purification by reaction with NH4F and a superheating of the melt could be included in the crystal growth process. Clear, monocrystalline ingots of these substances were grown in 4f-heated glassy carbon crucibles without seed crystals. Oxygen-free starting material had to be prepared for the growth of inclusion free CeF3 crystals.