Tohoku University in Japan has developed a new technology to produce oxide single crystals at high temperatures of 2200°C or higher, using a tungsten crucible with a high melting point.Previously, material development in the high-temperature range exceeding 2200°C was difficult.
However, the successful production of high-density oxide single crystals was achieved by elucidating and suppressing the reaction and contamination mechanisms of the tungsten crucible.
This technology is expected to be applied to scintillators, and may also contribute to cost reduction of existing single crystal materials by replacing precious metal crucibles.
