Dendrite growth observed in Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 single crystals prepared by the Bridgman process

Several patterns of dendritic crystals of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 grown by the Bridgman process have been identified. This phenomenon arose from cons titutional supercooling of the pseudo binary solid solution system. Therefo re, macroscopic segregation and constitutional supercooling should be simul taneously restrained during crystal growth in order to obtain uniform cryst als in composition and structure. A high growth temperature, larger tempera ture gradient and slower growth rate should be adopted to maintain stable a growth interface.