Growth and Properties of Transparent Pb(Zn_1/3, Nb_2/3)O₃–PbTiO₃ Single Crystals with a Cubic Habitus

Abstract

Transparent single crystals of Pb(Zn 1/3 , Nb 2/3 )O 3 –PbTiO 3 (PZN–PT) perovskite have been grown by the slow cooling method in a temperature gradient furnace. The optimization of growth techniques to crystallize PZN–PT with a cubic habitus is described in details. The growth temperature range and cooling 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°C/h from 1150°C to 930°C, had a cubic habitus and a size of approx.: 4×4×2.5 mm 3 . The chemical composition and the homogeneity of the crystals were tested by electron probe micro-analysis. Crystals characterization was performed using polarized light microscopy and dielectric and piezoelectric measurements. Phase transitions were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, optical and dielectric measurements.