The process parameters necessary for the growth of high-quality PbWO4 single crystals by the Czochralski method have been determined. If synthesis conditions are not optimal, colouration appears in the crystals. Optimised growth parameters are: seed pulling rate 2 mm/h and seed rotation rate 15 rpm. Detailed studies were carried out to identify the most suitable chemical etchant and etchant concentration. Etching with 0.5 N NaOH at room temperature for 20-30 min gave the best results (with minimal surface dissolution), revealing well-defined dislocations. Thermolurninescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL) studies were also carried out for assessing the quality of the grown crystals. PL data for colourless crystals exhibit an emission peak with a full-width at half-maximum of 480 nm. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.