Crystal growth and physical properties of I super(2)-Na sub(xV) sub(2)O sub(5 bronze)

The features of sodium oxide vanadate bronze growth from the melt by the Czochralski method are considered. The appearance of the oxidation-induced imperfections in CZ-grown bronze crystals and possibilities to obtain perfect single crystals are discussed. The influence of the growth parameters and the temperature of vacuum annealing on surface morphology and physicochemical parameters of single crystals were estimated. Based on experimental data the temperature interval (20-190 degree C) was defined as the condition of reproducible characteristics of I super(2)-Na sub(xV) sub(2)O sub(5, suitable for application of bronze crystals as active STM probe.)