Observation of a Continuous Phase Transition in a Shape-Memory Alloy

Lashley, J. C. and Shapiro, S. M. and Winn, B. L. and Opeil, C. P. and Manley, M. E. and Alatas, A. and Ratcliff, W. and Park, T. and Fisher, R. A. and Mihaila, B. and Riseborough, P. and Salje, E. K. H. and Smith, J. L. (2008) Observation of a Continuous Phase Transition in a Shape-Memory Alloy. Physical Review Letters, 101 (13). pp. 135703-4. DOI https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.135703

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Abstract

Elastic neutron-scattering, inelastic x-ray scattering, specific-heat, and pressure-dependent electrical transport measurements have been made on single crystals of AuZn and Au0.52Zn0.48. Elastic neutron scattering detects new commensurate Bragg peaks (modulation) appearing at Q=(1.33,0.67,0) at temperatures corresponding to each sample's transition temperature (TM=64 and 45 K, respectively). Although the new Bragg peaks appear in a discontinuous manner in the Au0.52Zn0.48 sample, they appear in a continuous manner in AuZn. Surprising us, the temperature dependence of the AuZn Bragg peak intensity and the specific-heat jump near TM are in favorable accord with a continuous transition. A fit to the pressure dependence of TM suggests the presence of a critical end point in the AuZn phase diagram located at T_M^*=2.7 K and p*=3.1 GPa.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	08AREP; IA57;
Subjects:	03 - Mineral Sciences
Divisions:	03 - Mineral Sciences
Journal or Publication Title:	Physical Review Letters
Volume:	101
Page Range:	pp. 135703-4
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.135703
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	02 Jun 2009 09:24
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 09:55
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/1058

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