Rod-shaped pure and Ti, Mn-doped MgAl2O4 single crystals, suitable for laser applications,. were grown by the micro-pulling-down (mu-PD) method in a reducing Ar atmosphere. The crystals were seeded-grown in the < 100 > direction and ranging up to 10 cm in length and 3 mm in diameter. The crystallinity was studied using X-ray rocking curve analysis. Optical absorption measurements in the UV/Vis spectral regions were performed before and after annealing. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.