Floating zone growth of La1−xBaxMnO3 single crystals

Single crystals of La1-xBaxMnO3 (0.1 < x- < 0.3) up to 40 mm in length and 4-5 mm in diameter were grown by the floating zone (FZ) technique in an oxygen-reduced (Ar) atmosphere. The growth conditions (growth rate) and homogeneity of the obtained single crystals depend on the barium concentration in the feed rods. From the crystal growth point of view one can distinguish two barium concentration (x) regions: "low-doped" x S 0.2 and "moderate-doped" 0.2 < x 5 0.3. The optimal growth rate for the first regions was 6-8 mm/h. Inclusion free crystals with a barium concentration of more than 20% were obtained only at a higher growth rate (12-15 mm/ h). According to the EPMA data, the "low-doped" crystals are notably more homogeneous compared to the "moderate-doped" ones. Transport properties of the obtained single crystals were studied.