Single crystal La2/3Sr1/3MnO3−δ manganite with an unusual structure was obtained by the optical-floating method with controlled growth in a flowing argon atmosphere. A modulated twin-like structure with phase separation characteristics in the long-range order was found. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurement revealed that there was a strong chemical fluctuation for different stripes, i.e. resulting from the non-stoichiometry due to oxygen deficiency. After annealing, the twin-like stripe phase disappeared and the single crystal showed excellent properties. These results might be of great significance for controlled growth of oxide electronics materials with artificial superstructure-like technique.

Observation of Twin-Like Composition Modulation and Phase Separation with Long-Range Order Induced by Oxygen Deficiency in Single Crystal Manganites. R.Jia, Z.Feng, S.Wang, Y.Liu, C.Jing, S.Cao, J.Zhang: Journal of Crystal Growth, 2010, 312[12-13], 1963-7