Crystal growth of Cu3−xZnxMo2O9 by continuous solid-state crystallization method

Abstract

A new technique that employs a temperature gradient and a mechanical drive system in an image furnace, has been developed for the solid-state crystallization. A crystal is continuously grown from a polycrystalline feed rod by scanning the heating area along the length direction using a conventional floating zone furnace. This technique differs from the floating zone method since the grain growth is realized without a melt zone. Using this technique, we have succeeded in growing large single crystals of Cu3−xZnxMo2O9, with their size reaching Ø6mm×65mm.