Preparation of single crystals of In-Tl alloys

Abstract A modified Bridgman method has been developed for the growth of large (1.9 cm dia. by 10 cm long) single crystals of In-Tl alloys containing up to 30 at % thallium. Highly homogeneous, strain-free crystals of both the face-centered tetragonal and the face-centered-cubic lattice structures have been produced using the method. A lava crucible was used to reduce mechanical strain. The crucible was enclosed in a stainless steel container under positive inert gas pressure which limited oxidation and vaporization of the alloys.