Growth of big single crystals of Sr2YRu1-xCuxO7 from high temperature solutions?

[[abstract]]Single crystals of Sr2YRu1-xCuxO6 (X = 0 - 0.4) have been grown from PbO-PbF2 based solutions in the temperature range 1150 - 1350 degrees C. A silicon carbide heating element furnace (with a recrystallized alumina tube lining) in a vertical configuration was used to grow the crystals in platinum crucibles. Conditions for the stable growth of big crystals have been investigated. The morphology of the crystals containing Cu was found to change from octahedral to cube octahedral as the growth temperature is increased from 1150 to 1350 degrees C. Crystals measuring up to 4.5 mm across and 2.5 mm thick have been grown from 1250 degrees C. The incorporation of Cu into the crystals was ascertained by EDS and x-ray diffraction analysis. A diamagnetic transition which increased in magnitude and temperature with x was observed. (C) 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.[[note]]SC