Single Crystal Synthesis of Frustrated Magnet Y_0.5Ca_0.5BaCo₄O₇

Neutron scattering experiments on Y_0.5Ca_0.5BaCo₄O₇ powders have reported suppression of magnetic order and flat magnonic bands down to low temperatures [1]. In order to study the physical properties of these materials in greater detail, we have synthesized bulk single crystals of this compound by the optical floating zone method. We present the details of the material preparation and characterization, including the dependence of magnetic properties on the growth conditions as well as plans for probing the unique magnetic dispersion of this system.

[1] W. Schweika et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 067201 (2007)