Growth and properties of transparent Pb(Zn-1/3, Nb-2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 single crystals with a cubic habitus

Transparent single crystals of Pb(Zn-1/3, Nb-2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 (PZN-PT) perovs kite have been grown by the slow cooling method in a temperature gradient f urnace. The optimization of growth techniques to crystallize PZN-PT with a cubic habitus is described in details. The growth temperature range and coo ling rates was carried out in different lead fluxes, Crystal recovery from the residual flux was obtained by different techniques based on liquid flux elimination at the end of the growth process. The best transparent single crystals of PZN-PT, obtained by a cooling at 0.8 degrees C/h from 1150 degr ees C to 930 degrees C, had a cubic habitus and a size of approx.: 4 x 4 x 2.5 mm(3). The chemical composition and the homogeneity of the crystals wer e tested by electron probe micro-analysis. Crystals characterization was pe rformed using polarized light microscopy and dielectric and piezoelectric m easurements. Phase transitions were determined by differential scanning cal orimetry, optical and dielectric measurements.