Large single crystal growth of BaFe1.87Co0.13As2 using a nucleation pole

Abstract

Co-doped iron arsenic single crystal of BaFe1.87Co0.13As2 with dimension up to 20 x 10 x 2 mm3 were grown by a nucleation pole: an alumina stick served as nucleation center during growth. The high quality of crystalline was illustrated by the measurements of neutron rocking curve and X-ray diffraction pattern. A very sharp superconducting transition temperature Tc~25 K was revealed by both resistivity and susceptibility measurements. A nearly 100% shielding fraction and bulk nature of the superconductivity for the single crystal were confirmed using magnetic susceptibility data.