Crystal growth of LiGd1-xLuxF4 solid solutions by zone melting technique

TL;DR

This study investigates the crystal growth of LiGd1-xLuxF4 solid solutions using zone melting, analyzing phase composition and segregation behavior to understand how initial mixture ratios influence crystal quality.

Contribution

It demonstrates the successful growth of LiGd1-xLuxF4 solid solutions via zone melting and characterizes how composition affects crystal transparency and segregation.

Findings

Transparent regions increase with more Lu in the mixture

Gd segregates to the end of the ingot

Solid solutions form successfully during zone melting

Abstract

Mixtures (1 - x) LiGdF4 + x LiLuF4 (0.50? \leq x \leq 0.75) were melted and submitted to one zone melting cycle under a reactive HF atmosphere, aiming the study of the crystal growth of LiGd1-xLuxF4 solid solutions. Phase identification and compositional studies of the ingots were performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray powder diffraction. Transparent regions of the bar related with the formation of LiGd1-xLuxF4 solid solutions were found to be enlarged proportionally to the initial amount of Lu in the mixtures. Gd segregates to the end of the ingot.