Crystal growth by Bridgman and Czochralski method of the ferromagnetic quantum critical material YbNi$_4$P$_2$

摘要

The tetragonal YbNi$_4$P$_2$ is one of the rare examples of compounds thatallow the investigation of a ferromagnetic quantum critical point. We report indetail on two different methods which have been used to grow YbNi$_4$P$_2$single crystals from a self-flux. The first, a modified Bridgman method, usinga closed crucible system yields needle-shaped single crystals oriented alongthe $[001]$-direction. The second method, the Czochralski growth from alevitating melt, yields large single crystals which can be cut in any desiredorientation. With this crucible-free method, samples without flux inclusionsand a resistivity ratio at 1.8 K of RR$_{1.8\rm K}= 17$ have been grown.