Experimental parameters during optical floating zone crystal growth of rare earth silicides

Optical floating zone (FZ) crystal growth involving growth stability and as-grown crystal perfection is affected by experimental conditions and the specific material. Referring to rare earth silicides, high purity of raw rare earth elements and ambient argon atmosphere are crucial to grow high-quality crystals; the maximum zone height is determined by equating the capillary forces of the surface tension; and asymmetric counter rotation of crystal and feed rod with convex (toward the melt) interfaces are favored to reach single crystals. Influences of several other growth parameters were also discussed in detail in this paper.