  The perovskite SrVO$_3$ is of interest for a variety of applications due to
its simple metallic character and stability in reducing environments. Here we
report the preparation of single-crystal SrVO$_3$ using the laser floating zone
technique. Laue diffraction implies single domains ca. 30 mm in length. The
stoichiometry of optimized crystals was found to be Sr$_{0.985}$VO$_{2.91}$
using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and neutron
powder diffraction analysis, with compositions adjustable depending on the
crystal pulling rate. Heat capacity measurements from 2 to 300 K show
variations with composition, attributable to a combination of impurity
scattering and changes in phonon dynamics.Our results demonstrate the utility
of the laser floating zone technique in preparing a range of materials, and our
advances with SrVO$_3$ may help lead to applications including catalysis,
transparent conducting oxides, thermionic emitters, and other electronic
devices.
