Crystal growth of Ca 2+ xY 2− xCu 5O 10 with edge-sharing CuO 2 chains by the traveling-solvent floating-zone method

Abstract

Single crystals of Ca 2+ x Y 2− x Cu 5O 10 ( x=0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 1.8) (CYC) have been successfully grown by the traveling-solvent floating-zone (TSFZ) method. The effect of the atmosphere on the growth was studied. The optimum composition of the solvent was also determined. It is shown that the density of the starting feed rod is crucially important for successful crystal growth. The characterization of the crystals by inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and magnetic susceptibility measurement is reported.