Preparation and Properties of High‐Quality Ce_xLa_yPr_yNd_0.05Gd_0.05B₆ Single Crystal by Optical Float‐Zone Technique

Abstract

The work functions of LnB 6 (Ln ¼ Pr, Nd, and Gd) at (100) plane are systematically studied by first-principles calculation based on density functional theory. It reveals that the work function of LnB 6 at (100) plane obeyssingle crystals are successfully prepared by the optical float-zone technique. The crystal quality and emission properties of single crystals are characterized by rotating target X-ray diffraction, X-ray single-crystal diffraction, X-ray Laue diffraction, and the thermal electron emission measurements. The results present that the as-grown single crystals are of high quality and lower work function than single crystal CeB 6 . The maximum emission current density of 60.69 A cm À2 obtained at 1873 K under the applied voltage of 4000 V belongs to the Ce 0.5 La 0.2 Pr 0.2 Nd 0.05 Gd 0.05 B 6 single crystal with (100) surface.

Single crystal growth of GdB6 by the optical floating-zone technique

“…The floating zone melting technique is a widely employed method to prepare large-sized single crystals with a high melting point and extreme melt reactivity. [19][20][21][22] Compared to conventional crystal growth methods such as the Bridgman and Czochralski methods, the primary advantages of this crucible-free method are it has no contamination or expansion/contraction problems. 23 The vertical inductive zone melting technique has been the main method used to prepare large-sized GdB 6 single crystals for decades.…”