A study of the optical and mechanical properties of PbWO4 single crystals

Optimised growth conditions were employed to grow good quality lead tungstate single crystals. Data were obtained on the optical absorption and radiation damage. Radiation-induced optical damage was found to be more for yellow-tint crystals than for colourless crystals. Samples cut from different portions of the crystal were analysed with photoluminescence studies which showed quality-dependent intensity variation. Thermoluminescence measurements made on gamma irradiated crystals showed different type of glow curves for different samples. An investigation was also made to determine the mechanical hardness of the material. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.