Preparation of large single crystals ANb(2)O(6) (A = Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) by the floating-zone method

Single crystals of ANb(2)O(6) (A = Nil Co, Fe, Mn) niobates have been grown by the floating-zone technique for the first time. The crystals were melt-grown from stoichiometric mixtures of the starting oxides. The orientation of the crystallographic axes relative to the crystal rod axis was found to be influenced by the size of the molten zone. Magnetization measurements as a function of temperature and applied field show that the magnetic properties are consistent with those found in previous studies. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.