Single crystal growth and physical properties of 50% electron doped rhodate Sr$_{1.5}$La$_{0.5}$RhO$_{4}$

TL;DR

This study reports the growth and comprehensive characterization of high-quality single crystals of Sr$_{1.5}$La$_{0.5}$RhO$_{4}$, revealing structural distortions and electronic properties at 50% electron doping.

Contribution

It presents the first successful growth of centimeter-sized single crystals of Sr$_{1.5}$La$_{0.5}$RhO$_{4}$ and detailed analysis of their structural and physical properties.

Findings

RhO$_3$ octahedral rotations of ~8.2° observed

Structural incompatibility with space group I4/mmm identified

Temperature-dependent Debye temperature measured

Abstract

Centimeter-sized single crystals of Sr$_{1.5}$La$_{0.5}$RhO$_{4}$ were grown by the floating zone method at oxygen pressures of 20~bar. The quality of our single crystals was confirmed by X-ray Laue, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, neutron and X-ray absorbtion spectroscopy measurements. At $\sim$50% electron doping we observe RhO$_3$ octahedral rotations of $\sim$8.2$^{\circ}$ within the octahedral basal plane which are incompatible with space group I4/mmm. Our single crystal was further characterized by susceptibility, electrical transport and, finally, specific heat measurements showing a temperature dependent Debye temperature.