Na2Mo2O7 scintillating crystals: Growth, morphology and optical properties

Abstract For the first time Na 2 Mo 2 O 7 crystals were grown by Czochralski technique in low-thermal-gradient conditions (LTG Cz), which allowed obtaining crystals of record size (100 (D) × 45 (L) mm 3 ) and optical quality. Influence of growth rate and seed direction on crystal morphology was studied, optimal growth conditions were determined. Three cleavage planes: (0 1 0), (0 0 1) and (0 2 1), were detected. Different characterizations of Na 2 Mo 2 O 7 crystal samples, such as: transparency, photoluminescence, thermostimulated luminescence and Raman spectra were studied.