Growth of high-quality Bi2Sr2CaCu2Oz crystal and characterization

We report growth of high-quality Bi2Sr2CaCu2Oz single crystals with dimensions 2x1x0.03mm3 with a melt and growth technique. The composition of this crystal is homogeneous and very close to the stoichiometric composition. Structure characterization of single crystal was realized by measuring the (001) x-ray diffraction. The lattice parameters of a typical crystal are a=5.414(2)Angstrom, b=5.413(2)Angstrom and c=30.823(10)Angstrom. The superconducting temperature Tc=95 K with a sharp transition width (10 endash 90% level) between 6 and 10 K was determined from resistivity and dc susceptibility. We have measured the magnetization of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Oz single crystal under magnetic field applied along the c-axis. The anomalous second peak effect appeared between 20 endash 30 K. We discuss the qualities of these crystals. copyright 1997 Materials Research Society