The vertical dynamic gradient freeze technique using a transparent furnace was applied to the growth of benzil single crystals. A flat-bottom ampoule with a [0001] seed was used for growth. During crystal growth, dynamic heating profiles were controlled through a computer, and the growth interface was recorded by a CCD camera. Computer simulation was also conducted, and the calculated convex interface and dynamic growth rate were consistent with the observed ones for various growth conditions. Conditions for growing single crystals were also determined, and they were mainly limited by constitutional supercooling. As the grown crystals were clear in appearance, their optical absorption spectra were insensitive to growth conditions and post-annealing.
