PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF HIGH PURITY ALPHA-MERCURIC IODIDE FOR USE AS A SOURCE OF STARTING MATERIAL FOR THE GROWTH OF MONOCRYSTALS FOR NUCLEAR DETECTION

摘要

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of high purity alpha mercuric iodide for use as a starting material source for the growth of monocrystals usable for nuclear detection. This process consists of synthesizing alpha mercuric iodide and subjecting the thus obtained alpha mercuric iodide to a purification treatment consisting of at least one vacuum distillation stage at a temperature of at least 255 DEG C. For this distillation stage, use is made of a reactor having three zones kept at different temperatures. The iodide to be purified is introduced into the first zone kept at at least 255 DEG C. The mercuric iodide vapors pass through the second zone kept at a higher temperature before being condensed in the air-cooled third zone.