Superconductivity and morphological studies on Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈ single crystals grown from stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric melts

Abstract

Single crystals of Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈ (2212) have been grown by self-flux technique using stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric melts of excess CuO and Bi₂O₃. Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies have been made on the grown crystals to confirm their single crystallinity and structure respectively. Resistivity and susceptibility measurements provide information on the superconducting nature of the crystals. The effects of fluxing agents and starting composition on surface morphology and superconducting properties have been discussed.