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⩽0.2 and “moderate-doped” 0.2