Flux growth and characterization of quasi cubic PZN-PT single crystals

Transparent single crystals of the perovskite Pb(Zn-1/3,Nb-2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 ( PZN-PT) were grown from different lead fluxes in sealed platinum crucibles. A temperature gradient furnace was used (temperature gradient on crucible: 30-50 degreesC). Optimization of growth temperature range and cooling rate s was carried out in fluxes of PbO, Pb3O4 with and without an addition of B 2O3. The growth nature range was typically 1150 degreesC --> 930 degreesC ( on crucible top) with cooling rates of 0.8 - 1 degreesC/h for the Pb3O4 flu x. In these conditions, the best PZN-PT transparent single crystal was 4x4x 2.5mm large and it showed a cubic habitus. The problem of crystal recovery from the residual flux Was solved by different methods based on liquid flux elimination at the end of the growth process.:The chemical composition and the homogeneity within the crystals were determined by electron probe micr o-analysis and X-rays. Optical (polarized light microscope) and dielectric measurements were used for the characterization and determination of phase transitions, in single crystal with and without an electric field.