Zone-melting study of LiSrAlF6 and LiSrAlF6 : Cr3+ by thermal analysis

Pure and Cr3+-doped LiSrAlF6 compounds were synthesized and purified by the zone-melting technique under HF atmosphere. The preparation process of the se compounds was characterized by thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffract ion, and fluorescence analysis. It was observed that LiSrAlF6 presents cong ruent melting but deviations of the initial stoichiometry happen easily due to the high evaporation rate of one of the components. The CrF3, used as a dopant, does not maintain chemical stability when heated. In spite of this , the distribution of chromium along the doped refined ingots was approxima tely uniform. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.