Abstract: The scintillation materials may exist in single crystalline, polycrystalline or ceramic form. Preferably, the scintillation materials are in single crystalline form. According to the present invention all cation-forming elements are present in the scintillation material in an amount, which is higher than stoichiometric (hyper- or over-stoichiometric) with respect to the anion-forming elements.

Abstract: The process for growing a rare earth aluminum or gallium garnet crystal from a melt includes melting an aluminum or gallium garnet of at least one rare earth, preferably Lu or Y, or a mixture of oxides of formula Me2O3, wherein Me represents the rare earth or aluminum or gallium. The melt also includes a fluoride anion acting as a counter ion for the rare earth and the aluminum or gallium. The components comprising the rare earth and aluminum or gallium are introduced in the melt so that the amounts of the rare earth and aluminum or gallium are defined by the formula: SE(3-x)X(5-y)O(12-2x-2y)F(x+y), wherein 0?x?0.2 and 0?y?0.2 and 0<x+y?0.4, and X is aluminum or gallium. The resulting crystals are used for optical elements at 193 nm, such as lenses, and as scintillation materials.

Abstract: The scintillation materials may exist in single crystalline, polycrystalline or ceramic form. Preferably, the scintillation materials are in single crystalline form. According to the present invention all cation-forming elements are present in the scintillation material in an amount, which is higher than stoichiometric (hyper- or over-stoichiometric) with respect to the anion-forming elements.

Abstract: The crucible for receiving a melt of a high-melting material has a refractory metal layer that has a melting point of at least 1800° C., which covers a part of the surface of the crucible that would otherwise come in contact with the melt. The refractory metal preferably has a thickness of less than 1 mm. It is either a coating deposited on the surface of the crucible or is a loosely connected foil applied to the surface of the crucible.