The growth of 122 and 11 iron-based superconductor single crystals and the influence of doping

This review focuses on the various single crystal growth techniques applied to the new class of high temperature superconductors—iron-based layered pnictides, such as the parent compounds AFe2As2 (A = Ba, Sr, Ca) (122), hole-doped A1 − xKx Fe2As2, electron/hole-doped AFe2 − xMx As2 (M = Co, Ni, Mn, Cr), isovalently doped AFe2As2 − xPx , the chalcogenides Ax Fe2 − ySe2(A = K, Rb, Cs) (122), and Fe1 − δTe1 − xSex (11). Detailed single crystal growth methods (fluxes, Bridgman, floating zone(FZ)), the associated procedures, and their impact on crystal size and quality are presented. We also discuss the influence of doping on the structure, and the electric, magnetic, and superconducting properties of these compounds by a comparative study of different growth methods.