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arXiv · 1311.2703

Single crystal growth of the hexagonal manganites $R$MnO$_3$ ($R$ = rare earth) by the optical floating-zone method

C. Fan·Z. Y. Zhao·J. D. Song·J. C. Wu·F. B. Zhang·X. F. Sun
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Abstract

We report a study on the crystal growth of the hexagonal manganites $R$MnO$_3$ ($R$ = Y, Lu, Ho, Er, and Tm) by using an optical floating-zone method. It was found that high-quality single crystals of $R$ = Y, Lu, and Ho could be easily grown with essentially the same conditions as those reported in literature, that is, with an atmosphere of normal pressure Ar and oxygen mixture and a growth rate of 2--4 mm/h. However, these conditions were not feasible for growing good crystals of $R$ = Er and Tm. The chemical analysis indicated that it was due to an off-stoichiometric phenomenon in the formed single crystals. We used an effective and simple way to resolve this problem by adjusting the nominal compositions of the polycrystal feed rods to be 1--$2\%$ rare-earth excess. The structures and physical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, resistivity, and dielectric constant measurements.

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C. Fan, Z. Y. Zhao, J. D. Song, J. C. Wu, F. B. Zhang, X. F. Sun. 2013-11-12. Single crystal growth of the hexagonal manganites $R$MnO$_3$ ($R$ = rare earth) by the optical floating-zone method. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2013.11.028

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