PrBr₃ [1] is a new, high light yield, fast scintillator [2] of the LaBr₃ family [3]. Such scintillators convert radiation into light and find various applications, e.g. in medical imaging.
PrBr₃ was investigated by neutron diffraction from 1.6 K to 960 K. The thermal expansion of the hexagonal phase is strongly anisotropic. The stability range of the orthorhombic phase was established for the first time. It occurs only on cooling from the melt. Such information are crucial for the crystal growth of this material.

This work was carried out in the group of Dr. Karl Krämer.

References:

1. K. W. Krämer and L. Keller;
   "High Temperature Phase and Thermal Expansion of PrBr₃"
   Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem., 635, 982-987, (2009); doi:10.1002/zaac.200801407.
2. C. W. E. van Eijk, H. U. Güdel , M. D. Birowosuto, P. Dorenbos and K. W. Krämer;
   "High Light Yield Fast Scintillator"
   World Intellectual Property Organization, Int. Patent Number: WO 2007/031583 A1;
   http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?CC=WO&NR=2007031583.
3. K. W. Krämer, P. Dorenbos, H. U. Güdel and C. W. E. van Eijk;
   "Development and characterization of highly efficient new cerium doped rare earth halide scintillator materials"
   J. Mater. Chem., 16, 2773-2780, (2006); doi:10.1039/b602762h.