Growth of single crystals of MgCNi3

Even six years after the first discovery of superconductivity in MgCNi3, the synthesis of this compound in the form of single crystals has not been very successful. Highly volatile Mg and less-reactive C are the main obstacles. Now, the synthesis and characterization of these single crystals are reported (see figure), which will provide opportunities to solve quite a number of longstanding controversial issues in MgCNi3.