Physical properties and characterization of RuSr2GdCu2O8 (Ru-1212) grown by top seeded melt textured technique

Efforts have been made in optimizing growth conditions for bulk textured growth of RuSr2GdCu2O8 (Ru-1212) employing top seeded growth technique (TSG). Thermal stability and peritectic temperature (Tp) have been determined by TG–DTA analysis. The study facilitates appropriate thermal treatments to yield good quality sample. The structural study of the as grown sample has been carried out by X-ray diffraction technique. Morphological study by polarized optical microscope (PLOM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveals the growth mechanism. Subsequently, the stoichiometry has been confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The observed characterization results show the influence of superconducting property on growth technique and allow one to correlate between the physical properties and experimental technique.