Synthesis, transport, and magnetic properties of Ln2−xCexCuO4−y single crystals (Ln = Nd, Pr, Sm)

Single crystals Ln2-xCexCuO4-y (Ln = Nd, Pr, Sm; 0⩽x⩽0.2) were grown in CuO flux and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and microprobe analysis, electrical resistivity, and magnetic susceptibility. There is a large variation of the Ce content from crystal to crystal within a given batch and the distribution width decreases with increasing Ce starting composition. The temperature dependence of the normal-state electrical resistivity determined superconducting critical temperature Tc are very sensitive to the heat treatment. The magnetic susceptibility of Ln2-xCexCuO4-y single crystals, measured f or two orientations of the crystals with respect to the applied field H, reveals a high anisotropy and indicates the presence of crystalline electric-field (CEF) effects.