Growth and characterization of large La1-xPbxMnO3-δ crystals

The experiments on crystal growth of Ln(1-x)Pb(x)MnO(3-delta) (LPMO) (x = 0.25) were carried out by the high temperature solution growth method. The larger crystals (greater than or equal to 1 cm(3)) with an almost constant composition were grown at cooling rate 0.5 K h(-1) and LPMO: flux = 1:5 ratio. The obtained crystals were examined by the scanning electron microscopy and the X-ray diffraction methods. It was established by the X-ray double crystal rocking curve analysis and topography that the larger crystals, adhered to the bottom of the crucible with large contact area were strained. The subgrain structure as well as growth bands and dislocations an often observed in such crystals. The low structural quality of these crystals was confirmed by measuring of the magnetic susceptibility (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.