Growth and Spectroscopic Properties of Pr${}^{3+}$ Doped Lu${}_2$S${}_3$ SingleCrystals

Abstract

For the first time Lu${}_2$S${}_3$ (undoped and Pr-doped) single crystals were successfully grown from melt using micro-pulling-down (mPD) technique. Customization of halide mPD apparatus allowed us to grow rod-shaped (Ø2 mm and length around 20 mm) crystals of Lu${}_2$S${}_3$ with high melting temperature (~1750 ${}^{\circ }$C). X-ray powder diffraction revealed that the grown crystals exhibit the ε-Lu${}_2$S${}_3$ crystal structure ($\alpha$-Al${}_2$O${}_3$ type, space group R-3c). Optical and scintillation properties of both the undoped and Pr${}^{3+}$ doped Lu${}_2$S${}_3$ were investigated. Fast 5d-4f Pr${}^{3+}$ luminescence was observed in both photoluminescence and radioluminescence spectra. The presented technology is an effective tool for the exploration of a large family of high-melting sulfides. Such materials show promise for application as scintillators, active laser media, and optoelectronic components.

7 pages, 9 figures, 34 references