Shaped crystals : growth by micro pulling down technique This volume presents an overview of the growth of shaped crystals (oxides fluorides etc.) by the micro pulling down technique. Both melt and solution (flux) growth are considered. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed in detail and compared with related crystal growth processes. The authors attempt to give a practical introduction to this technique thereby also explaining how its application can help to solve problems commonly encountered in other melt growth methods. Currently the micro pulling down technique is applicable to the growth of crystals up to 1 m long with cross section ranging from 0.05 to 10 mm. This book represents a valuable resource for researchers industrial engineers teachers and students involved in materials science crystal growth physics chemistry optics and electronics.