Development of enriched $^{130}$TeO$_{2}$ crystals for neutrinoless double beta decay searches

The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) will search for the neutrinoless double-beta decay of $^{130}$Te using an array of 988 bolometers comprised of natural-isotopic-composition TeO$_{2}$. We are now investigating the feasibility of producing $^{130}$Te-enriched crystals for a possible future improved search of this kind. Together with the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, we have developed a tentative crystal-production plan. Ten kilograms of 92{\%}-enriched $^{130}$Te metal are currently available for this project. In order to test possible effects on the crystal growth process, 500 grams of this material have been converted into TeO$_{2}$ and then blended with natural TeO$_{2}$ to produce three 5x5x5-cm$^{3}$ TeO$_{2}$ crystals with a 40{\%} $^{130}$Te abundance. These crystals have been tested as bolometers at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory. Preliminary results from this effort will be presented along with plans for further development of enriched crystals for neutrinoless double-beta decay searches.