The growth of 122 and 11 iron-based superconductor single crystals and the influence of doping

This review focuses on the various single crystal growth techniques applied to the new class of high temperature superconductors—iron-based layered pnictides, such as the parent compounds AFe₂As₂ (A = Ba, Sr, Ca) (122), hole-doped A_1 − xK _xFe₂As₂, electron/hole-doped AFe_2 − xM _xAs₂ (M = Co, Ni, Mn, Cr), isovalently doped AFe₂As_2 − xP _x, the chalcogenides A _xFe_2 − ySe₂(A = K, Rb, Cs) (122), and Fe_1 − δTe_1 − xSe _x (11). Detailed single crystal growth methods (fluxes, Bridgman, floating zone(FZ)), the associated procedures, and their impact on crystal size and quality are presented. We also discuss the influence of doping on the structure, and the electric, magnetic, and superconducting properties of these compounds by a comparative study of different growth methods. (topical review)