# Optimization of single crystal growth of candidate quantum spin-ice Pr2Hf2O7 by optical floating-zone method

## TL;DR

This paper details the optimized growth conditions for high-quality single crystals of the quantum spin-ice candidate Pr2Hf2O7 using an optical floating-zone method, and characterizes their structural and magnetic properties.

## Contribution

It introduces optimized growth parameters for Pr2Hf2O7 crystals and provides comprehensive structural and magnetic characterization of these crystals.

## Key findings

- Optimal growth in flowing argon atmosphere yields highest quality crystals.
- High-resolution SXRD confirms structural quality of grown crystals.
- Magnetic measurements characterize the magnetic behavior of the crystals.

## Abstract

We report the optimized conditions for growing the high quality single crystals of candidate quantum spin-ice Pr2Hf2O7 using the optical floating-zone method. Large single crystals of Pr2Hf2O7 have been grown under different growth conditions using a four-mirror type optical floating-zone furnace and their microscopic structural differences have been probed by high-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction (SXRD). The SXRD data reveal that the crystals grown under fowing argon (~ 2 L/h) atmosphere with slightly off-stoichiometric (optimized) starting composition yields the highest quality crystals. The magnetic susceptibility, isothermal magnetization and heat capacity data of optimally grown crystals are presented.