Shape-controlled crystal growth of Y$_3$Al$_5$O$_{12}$:Ce single crystals with application of micro-pulling-down method and Mo crucibles, and their scintillation properties

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method for growing shape-controlled YAG:Ce single crystals using micro-pulling-down technique with Mo crucibles, achieving stable growth and comparable scintillation properties to existing crystals.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of micro-pulling-down and custom Mo crucibles for shape-controlled YAG:Ce crystal growth.

Findings

Successful shape-controlled crystal growth achieved

Stable growth in the die shape was demonstrated

Scintillation properties comparable to previous reports

Abstract

The technology to grow single crystals of the required shape directly from a melt has been researched extensively and developed in various industries and research fields. In this study, a micro-pulling-down method and a Mo crucible were applied to the shape-controlled crystal growth of Y$_3$Al$_5$O$_{12}$:Ce (YAG:Ce). Three types of Mo crucibles with different die shapes were developed. Stable crystal growth in the same shape as the die was achieved, and scintillation properties that are comparable with those of the previously reported YAG:Ce were obtained.