Single crystals of rare-earth ions doped over a wide concentration range Na0.4R0.6F2.2 (R = Y, Lu) have been grown by the Bridgman technique. Temperature fields in the growth zone were investigated and modified for obtaining high optical quality crystals of this type. Vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectra were measured for the Undoped crystal hosts. Some spectroscopic features of the Ce3+-doped Na0.4Lu0.6F2.2 crystals were determined. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.