Crystal growth of the triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Ba3CoSb2O9

We report growth of large single crystals of the triangular-lattice antiferromagnetic compound Ba3CoSb2O9 by the floating-zone technique in an image furnace. Evaporation of Sb due to its high volatility was controlled by high pressure and addition of excess Sb in the starting materials to compensate for the losses. The crystal quality was analysed using different X-ray techniques, and the magnetic transition temperature was confirmed by magnetization and heat capacity measurements.