Crystal growth of REBa 2Cu 3O 7−y ( RE= Y, La, Pr, Nd and Sm) by the travelling-solvent floating-zone method

Abstract

Single crystals of REBa 2Cu 3O 7− y ( RE= Y, La, Pr, Nd and Sm) have been grown successfully by the travelling-solvent floating-zone (TSFZ) method. The maximum dimensions of the grown boules were 6 mm Ø×27 mm. It is shown that the density of the feed rod and atmosphere are the crucial variables for a successful growth procedure. The grown crystals were identified to be single-crystal REBa 2Cu 3O 7− y by Laue X-ray measurements and X-ray powder diffraction. The maximum area of the grains was about 1×1 mm 2 for the Y system, 1.5×1.5 mm 2 for the La, Pr and Nd systems and 1.5×3 mm 2 for the Sm system, respectively. Superconducting transitions of crystals annealed in oxygen typically occur at 91.5 K, 90 K, 91 K and 94 K for the Y, La, Nd and Sm compounds, respectively.