Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
With the addition of Sr into the NdO1.5–BaO–CuOz flux, series single crystals of Nd1+x (Ba1−ySry)2−x Cu3O7±δ solid solutions (Nd1113ss) were successfully grown by crystal pulling. The liquid composition control was of key importance for controlling the crystal composition, which led to a fundamental structure control. The tetragonal Nd1113ss structure was readily obtained, using a Ba-poor liquid, due to a higher Sr liquid solubility, or using a liquid with the Ba/Cu ratio around 0.33. On the other hand, a Ba-rich liquid could effectively suppress the Nd substitution at Ba sites. The higher Sr addition for achieving a stoichiometric Nd1113 compound was thermodynamically prohibited by (i) an inherently low Sr liquid solubility and (ii) the formation of BaSrCu2Oz phase in the flux at the temperature range for crystal growth. The liquid-solid-structure relation was studied.