High optical and structural quality columbite CaNb2O6 single crystal was grown by laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique directly from starting reagents. The structural quality of the fibers was evaluated by X-ray rocking curve profile, X-ray phase contrast radiography and X-ray topography measurements whereas optical quality was characterized by optical microscopy and infrared to visible transmission measurements. Raman shifting and structural refinement of X-ray powder diffraction were used to check the formation of single phase CaNbO6. All results indicate that single phase, crack-free, colorless and transparent CaNb2O6 single crystal fiber was successfully obtained. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.