Synthesis and the physical properties of the single crystals of a new quaternary compound ErRh2B2C using molten copper as a flux

The single crystals of a new quaternary compound ErRh2B2C have been obtained as thin plates in an atmosphere of helium by the flux method using molten copper, The single crystals show golden-colored luster and the maximum size obtained is about 1.0 x 1.0 x 0.02 mm(3), This compound belongs to a tetragonal system and seems to be a derivative of ThCr2Si2 type; lattice parameter: a = 0.36848(2)nm, c = 1.05520(3)nm, V = 1.4327 x 10(-28) m(3) and Z = 2. The electrical resistivity parallel to the a-b plane decreases monotonically with decreasing temperature, but no superconductivity is observed down to 1.5K, The residual resistivity ratio, rho(273 K)/rho(1.5 K), is 1.38. Similar type new compounds of RRh(2)B(2)C were obtained for R = La-Er (except Eu and Tm) and Y by are-melting synthetic method.