Crystal characterization and electrode behaviour of trifluorides of lanthanum, cerium and praseodymium

Doped and undoped crystals of the trifluorides of lanthanum, cerium and praseodymium were grown using the Bridgman method. Crystal qualities were assessed by neutron, gamma and X-ray diffraction methods. Numerous oriented crystal slices were used as membranes in fluoride sensitive electrodes. The experiments show that doping is necessary for the electrode function, whereas crystal quality and crystal orientation are of secondary importance. (author)