Abstract
Single crystals of calcium pyroniobate, Ca2Nb2O7, have been grown from the melt by the Czochralski method. Crystal growth along a 〈OVW〉 direction is easy, being characterized by the formation of large area mirror facets, which under certain conditions leads to the growth of thin ribbon crystals. Growth along [100] is difficult and rates of less than 0.4 cm/h have to be used to obtain crack free crystals. Growth defects such as inclusions and cavities were found to be absent in the crystals, and no evidence was found for the presence of impurity striations.