Piezoelectric Pb[(Zn1/3Nb2/3)(0.91)Ti-0.09]O-3 single crystals with a diameter of 2 inches by the solution Bridgman method supported on the bottom ofa crucible

Piezoelectric Pb[(Zn1/3Nb2/3)(0.91)Ti-0.09]O-3 (PZNT 91/9) single crystals with a diameter of 2 inches were grown from a solution by the Bridgman meth od with a PbO flux supported on the bottom of the crucible. This type of Br idgman method is more suitable for growing large/heavy crystals than the su spended type of Bridgman method. The crystals were grown in a platinum cruc ible and the growth speed was 0.20-0.50 mm/h. The obtained crystals were ab out 2 inches in diameter x 1/2 inches in length (weight = 368 g) and were a light brown color. Forty-two pieces of 0.4 mm wafer were obtained from thi s crystal. The quality of some wafers was excellent. From these results, it is reasonable to expect that mass production of large crystals of PZNT 91/ 9 can be realized in the near future. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri ghts reserved.