Large 0.92Pb(Zn1/3Nb1/3)O-3-0.08PbTiO(3) (0.92PZN-0.08PT) single crystals were grown successfully by the high-temperature solutions method using PbO as flux. The crystal was determined by powder X-ray analysis to have rhombohedral structure. The surface profile and topography of the crystals were investigated by atomic force microscopy and synchrotron radiation white-beam topography, through which defects such as scratches and inclusions were observed. The optical spectra show that the crystals' absorption edge is 360 nm. The results of ferroelectric hysteresis loops experiments indicated that the ferroelectric parameters including saturation polarization, remnant polarization, and coercive field increased with the highest applied voltages. According to the differential thermal analysis curve, the melting point of 0.92PZN-0.08PT crystals can be found at approximately 1187degreesC. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.