Extensive studies on CeF3 crystals, a good candidate for electromagnetic calorimetry at future accelerators

In the framework of its search for new heavy, fast and radiation hard scintillators for calorimetry at future colliders, the Crystal Clear Collaboration performed a systematic investigation of the properties and of the scintillation and radiation damage mechanisms of CeF3 monocrystals. Many samples of various dimensions up to 3 x 3 x 28 cm(3) were produced by industry and characterised in the laboratories by different methods such as: optical transmission, light yield and decay time measurements, excitation and emission spectra, gamma and neutron irradiations. The results of these measurements are discussed. The measured light yield is compared to the theoretical expectations. Tests in high energy electron beams on a crystal matrix were also performed. The suitability of CeF3 for calorimetry at high rate machines is confirmed. Production and economical considerations are discussed.