High Temperature Superconductors: Crystal Growth and Characterization

Abstract

The study of ceramic compounds that exhibit technologically valuable superconducting properties at higher temperatures than can be explained by existing physical theories has become the most highly studied area of condensed matter physics, with many research groups across the world employing state of the art methods to better understand these mysterious materials. Working in conjunction with Dr. Martin Greven's research group, this research project has allowed for an opportunity to learn many of these methods of material synthesis and measurement. Most notably, this has included exploring the difficult technique of growing pure, homogeneous single crystals in a travelling-solvent floating-zone furnace. Future techniques to be explored will include magnetic response and DC transport measurements of annealed samples to better illustrate and understand the phase diagram of these materials.