Single crystals of Ce-doped LiYF4 have been grown by the Czochralski technique directly from raw materials under CF, atmosphere. Optically clear single crystals were obtained without the previous conventional hydro-fluorination of the starting charge or the direct use of HF during the growth process. Optical characteristics were examined and compared with those of other rare-earth LiYF4-doped crystals. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.