Single crystal fibers are an intermediate between laser crystals and doped glass fibers. They have the advantages of both guiding laser light and matching efficiencies found in bulk crystals, which make them ideal candidates for high-power laser and fiber laser applications. This work focuses on the growth of a flexible fiber with a core of dopant (Er, Nd, Yb, etc.) that will exhibit good wave guiding properties. Direct growth or a combination of growth and cladding experiments are described. Scattering loss measurements at visible wavelengths along with dopant profile characterization are also presented. Laser characterization for these fibers is in progress. Published by Elsevier B.V.