Mirror tilting effects on the interface shape during crystal growth and on the etch pit density of the grown crystals were studied using a tilting-mirror-type image furnace. With increase of tilting angle of mirrors, convexities of both melt-feed and melt-crystal interface and the etch pit density of the grown crystal were systematically reduced. The melt zone, which is formed during crystal growth, was also stabilized by mirror tilting. In the mirror tilted condition, a large rutile single crystal of 19 mm phi diameter was successfully grown. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.