Crystal growth and characterization of the model high-temperature superconductor HgBa₂CuO_4+δ

A method for the growth of Hg1201 crystals and a detailed sample characterization, including initial inelastic magnetic neutron scattering data were analyzed. Several improvements had been developed, including the use of a three-zone furnace to control the partial pressure of mercury. The prepared powder was put to obtain high-quality precursor material for the crystal growth. The precursor and HgO were mixed in stoichiometric proportions. The temperature was gradually increased to 1020°C, which melted the contents of the crucible and lead to a homogeneous precrystallization admixture. A constant momentum scans at the antiferromagnetic wave vector was performed to search for magnetic excitations. Results show the foundation for detailed experimental studies of the family of transition metal oxides, such as inelastic neutron scattering, optical spectroscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.