We developed a modified micro-pulling-down (mu-PD) method for the crystal growth of halide materials with highly hygroscopic nature. A removable chamber system of the modified mu-PD method that can enter a globe box filled with Ar gas enabled to handle starting materials, set up a crucible and hot zone, grow a single crystal from the melt and take out a grown crystal without exposing to outside atmosphere. By the modified mu-PD method, CeCl(3) and Ce 1% doped LaBr(3) single crystals, which were famous as scintillator with high light yield and energy resolution were grown. Grown CeCl(3) and Ce:LaBr3 single crystals indicated high transparency and they have no visible cracks and inclusions. In photoluminescence measurements, emission peak around 365 nm was observed for CeCl(3) single crystal and Ce:LaBr3 single crystal indicated two emission peaks around 360 and 380 nm, which originated from 5d-4f transition of Ce(3+) ion. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.