Andrew Boothroyd

Abstract:

We report the growth of single crystals of La1-xSrxMnO3 (x = 0.0-0.3) by the floating-zone technique in an image furnace under high argon pressure (6-8 atm). Ail excess of Mn in the polycrystalline starting material was used to compensate for the evaporation during growth. single crystals of diameter 8 mm and length 70 mm have been obtained. The phase purity, composition and quality of the crystals were analysed by X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis. We discuss the effect on the crystal growth of varying the amount of Mn excess and of the composition of the growth atmosphere. We also present magnetization and resistivity data for a few of the samples. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract:

We report on an investigation into the growth of large, high-quality single crystals of La2-xSrxNiO4+ (x = 0-0.5) by the floating zone technique. The results of attempts to grow crystals in different atmospheres are discussed. The oxygen non-stoichiometry (delta) of the as-grown crystals is found to decrease with the Sr substitution level. Magnetic and electrical transport measurements on the crystals are reported. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.