Crystal Growth of Pb[(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.91Ti0.09]O3 Using a Crucible by the Supported Bridgman Method

Piezoelectric Pb[(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.91Ti0.09]O3 (PZNT 91/9) single crystals with diameters of 40 mm were successfully grown from solution by the Bridgman method with a PbO flux supported on the bottom of the crucible. This type of Bridgman method is more suitable for growing large and heavy crystals than the hanging-type Bridgman method. Using a modified supporting method, a PZNT 91/9 single crystal was grown. The crystals were grown in a platinum crucible heated to 1,130°C, and the growth rate was 0.20–0.50 mm/h. The obtained crystals were about 40 mm in diameter×20 mm in length (200 g) and were light brown in color. The Curie temperature, T c, ranged from 170 to 175°C. These results confirm that the Bridgman method using a supported crucible is useful for the mass production of large crystals of PZNT 91/9.