Growth and Transverse Field Muon Spin Rotation of Cobalt Niobate

Cobalt niobate, CoNb$_{2}$O$_{6}$, is a material whose spins, when in a transverse field, act like the theoretical ideal 1D-Ising model. This occurs due to the magnetic spins aligning highly anisotropically along the Co$^{2+}$ chains. Because of this unique structure and material performance, the creation and characterization of this material is of both experimental and theoretical interest. The research we will present is a detailing of changes in the characteristics of the growth of the material utilizing the optical floating zone crystal growth method compared to previous growth parameters and an examination of this material in a moderately high transverse field using the technique of muon spin rotation ($\mu$SR). We have determined that the quality of crystals created by the floating zone are highly dependent on the growth parameters utilized (original ceramic shape and rotation rate) and dictate the speed at which the growth can be performed. Transverse Field $\mu$SR shows a gradual but significant change to the magnetic structure of the material below 5 K.