Experimental evidence that a high electric field acts as an efficient external parameter during crystalline growth of bulk oxide

A new crystal growth device, in which a high static external electric voltage (up to 14kV) is added to a floating zone method, is described. Our first experiments show that the application of such an electric field acts like an external force, introducing a pressure effect which is in direct competition with temperature in the solid/liquid thermodynamic equilibrium. High electric fields could therefore be an additional parameter in crystal growth, opening original routes to the synthesis of new materials. •A floating zone furnace was equipped with a high static external electric voltage (up to 14kV).•A high electric field strongly affects the liquid–solid ration during the growth.•An electric field is in competition with the temperature in the solid–liquid thermodynamic equilibrium.•Electric field and gas pressure parameters are discussed on the stability of solid–liquid equilibrium.